Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson is accused of having officers unlawfully take money and a vehicle from undocumented immigrants. This would happen during traffic stops even if the people hadn’t been suspected of a crime, authorities in Texas say.
A search warrant was performed at the sheriff’s office in Leakey, a sub-station in Campwood. An additional investigation took place at the office’s car impound lots.
Documents show that the officer stated that he and others did seize money from the people, prior to taking the individuals to U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Seizing money and property is permitted for officers, but they must file a lawsuit against the property in order to keep it. They must follow the process.
Johnson labeled the money as abandoned cash and put it in the Real County General fund, in one instance.
Another time, documents show that he confessed to not filing in paperwork for the seizures. This was because they were being held as possible evidence.
Lawyers argue that having cash is not a crime.
“…If you could seize these things, not go to court…then keep it in your budget…that is again policing for profit with zero oversight,” stated a managing attorney in Texas.
Johnson is being investigated for felony-based theft and abuse of official capacity.
It isn’t known if he will be charged with any crime.
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