HOUSTON - Tomas Roque, a former reserve deputy constable with Harris County Precinct 6, has entered a plea of guilty to one violation of the Hobbs Act, or extortion under color of official right, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.
Roque, of Houston, was arrested Jan. 16, 2013, following the return of an indictment Jan. 8, 2013. As part of his plea today, Roque admitted he obtained approximately $2000 in exchange for providing protection for a vehicle he believed was transporting seven kilograms of cocaine.
According to the plea agreement, a confidential source had asked Roque if he would provide protection for narcotics. On Dec. 6, 2012, Roque - then a Precinct 6 constable in Harris County - arrived in uniform to provide the escort in his official capacity as a law enforcement officer.
Seven kilograms of cocaine was located in the truck of the source which Roque had escorted to another location. Afterwards, the source paid Roque $2000 for his service.
U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore, who accepted the guilty plea, has set sentencing for Sept. 16, 2013, at which time Roque faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The combined public corruption task force effort was conducted by the FBI, Texas Rangers and Houston Police Department. Homeland Security Investigations and the Harris County Precinct 6 Constable’s Office assisted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James McAlister.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
