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Anthony police chief arrested by own officers in gun violation
Daniel Borunda
El Paso Times
Anthony, Texas, Police Chief Ed Miranda was arrested Wednesday by two of his officers, Anthony Mayor Art Franco said.
Miranda was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon and carrying a weapon where prohibited, law-enforcement officials said.
Police officers may carry weapons even while off duty if certified by the state of Texas. It is unknown whether Miranda, who was named Anthony police chief in June, was certified.
Miranda could not be reached for comment.
Franco said city officials were still trying to sort out the situation but he said he supports Miranda.
"We are happy with the job (Miranda) is doing. He is still our chief and will be our chief tomorrow," Franco said.
Miranda was named chief after retiring from the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department, where he worked for 16 years and also served as spokesman.
Last month, two Anthony police officers were charged with civil rights violations after an investigation into allegations that they received sexual favors in exchange for not taking a woman to jail.
Veteran officers Eduardo Casillas and Lorenzo Lozoya were arrested for an alleged incident on April 15, 2002, in Anthony, Texas.
The officers were arrested by El Paso County sheriff's investigators.
Asked whether there were problems in the department, Franco said he "can't speculate." The department has fewer than 10 uniformed officers.
The issue of an area police chief not being certified by the state of Texas is not new.
In 1995, during his first few weeks as El Paso police chief, Russ Leach couldn't make arrests or perform other police duties because he had not passed a test to become a Texas peace officer.
Leach was a 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department before becoming chief in El Paso.
http://www.borderlandnews.com/stories/borderland/20040115-68629.shtml
Daniel Borunda
El Paso Times
Anthony, Texas, Police Chief Ed Miranda was arrested Wednesday by two of his officers, Anthony Mayor Art Franco said.
Miranda was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon and carrying a weapon where prohibited, law-enforcement officials said.
Police officers may carry weapons even while off duty if certified by the state of Texas. It is unknown whether Miranda, who was named Anthony police chief in June, was certified.
Miranda could not be reached for comment.
Franco said city officials were still trying to sort out the situation but he said he supports Miranda.
"We are happy with the job (Miranda) is doing. He is still our chief and will be our chief tomorrow," Franco said.
Miranda was named chief after retiring from the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department, where he worked for 16 years and also served as spokesman.
Last month, two Anthony police officers were charged with civil rights violations after an investigation into allegations that they received sexual favors in exchange for not taking a woman to jail.
Veteran officers Eduardo Casillas and Lorenzo Lozoya were arrested for an alleged incident on April 15, 2002, in Anthony, Texas.
The officers were arrested by El Paso County sheriff's investigators.
Asked whether there were problems in the department, Franco said he "can't speculate." The department has fewer than 10 uniformed officers.
The issue of an area police chief not being certified by the state of Texas is not new.
In 1995, during his first few weeks as El Paso police chief, Russ Leach couldn't make arrests or perform other police duties because he had not passed a test to become a Texas peace officer.
Leach was a 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department before becoming chief in El Paso.
http://www.borderlandnews.com/stories/borderland/20040115-68629.shtml
