Pubdate: Mon, 07 Aug 2000
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2000 The Dallas Morning News
Contact:  P.O. Box 655237, Dallas, Texas 75265
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Author: Nancy San Martin

EL PASO POLICE UNDER REVIEW FROM ALL SIDES

FBI, Rangers, Internal Unit Investigating

EL PASO - How many investigators does it take to get to the core of a series
of allegations involving this city's Police Department? The answer has yet
to be tallied.

First, Chief of Police Carlos León came under scrutiny by the city attorney
for a variety of administrative matters as well as poor judgment for
appointing an administrative assistant who allegedly has ties to drug
traffickers.

Then, the FBI launched an investigation into the alleged drug ties of the
administrative assistant, Luís Cortinas. The Police Department's Public
Integrity Unit then launched its own investigation to find out who leaked
the information on the allegations to the local news media.

Now, the Texas Rangers are involved. But it's not clear exactly what they
are investigating, only that it is has to do with "potential criminal
matters," said Renee Railey, a spokeswoman for District Attorney Jaime
Esparza.

Mr. Esparza, who is friendly with the police chief, said he called on the
Rangers because he wanted to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

"All the cases will make their way to this office eventually," Ms. Railey
said. "It was a proactive move. His effort was to restore some sort of
public confidence."

"We welcome that investigation," said police spokesman Sgt. Al Velarde.
"This will be a way to ensure the public that any investigation would be
done without bias or prejudice."

Public confidence is hard to maintain in a city that has somehow managed to
keep a "small-town mentality" despite sprawling growth. In the grocery
store, at the dry cleaners and even while pumping gas, locals can be heard:
"Can you believe what's going on with the Police Department?"

The problem is that the gossip is based solely on speculation. None of the
investigations has been completed, and it will probably be some time before
there are answers.

The various investigations were set in motion in April when Assistant Police
Chief George De Angelis accused Chief León of instructing police to lie on
documents; of not protecting the city against liability from police use of
force; of instructing subordinates to circumvent civil service rules; of
playing favorites with disciplinary decisions; and of back-dating a
personnel recommendation.

Following an administrative review, Mayor Carlos Ramírez issued a written
reprimand telling the chief he shouldn't back-date documents.

Soon after, the chief was targeted again for allegedly mishandling rent
money paid by the Texas Commission for the Blind for a snack bar it operates
at police headquarters. The money apparently should have gone to the city's
general fund but the chief, in keeping with a practice from his
predecessors, used it as a petty-cash fund.

The department's Public Integrity Unit is still investigating the matter and
still trying to figure out who went to the news media with the tidbits.

As for the drug cartel connection - seemingly the most serious of the
accusations - the FBI is neither confirming nor denying that an
investigation is under way. But Mayor Ramírez has publicly stated that Mr.
Cortinas is being looked at by the feds. Mr. Cortinas, meanwhile, has denied
the allegations.

As speculation continues, everyone, including the mayor, remains tightlipped
about the substance of the investigations.

"It would be inappropriate to comment until a full investigation has been
conducted by the appropriate law enforcement authorities," said Estrella
Escobar, a spokeswoman for Mr. Ramírez.

There is at least one source of consolation for the public, though - the
Texas Rangers.

"The mayor thinks it was a wise decision by the district attorney," Ms.
Escobar said. "It needs to be clear to the public that all investigations
will be conducted in a clear, just and untainted manner."
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