DPS: Constable, high-ranking deputies arrested after stealing ‘personal property’ from residence

TYLER – A Smith County Constable and two high-ranking deputies were arrested after allegedly stealing from a Tyler residence while on duty, according to DPS. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Constable for Precinct 1 Curtis Harris, Chief Deputy LaQuenda Banks and Sergeant Derrick Holman were arrested for theft, official oppression and abuse of official capacity. The highest charged offense of theft is a state jail felony and is punishable by no more than two years or less than 180 days confinement in a state jail and a fine not to exceed $10,000, according to DPS.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Smith County District Attorney’s office requested help from Rangers into “possible criminal conduct of several officers with the Smith County Precinct #1 Constable Office.” During the investigation, it was reportedly discovered that Harris, Banks and Holman, while on duty, “acted together in the theft of personal property from a residence in the City of Tyler.” Harris, Banks and Holman posted $30,000 bonds and have been released from the Smith County Jail. Their first court date has not been set. The investigation is ongoing.