By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
Arnold Garcia
Embattled San Benito Police Captain Arnold Garcia who was recently suspended indefinitely for allegedly engaging in political activity in uniform was reinstated by the Civil Service Board on Thursday.
And some fellow San Benito police officers are none too thrilled about it.
“When do we draw the line? Morale at the PD is down… it’s just sad. We’re out in the public and what else can you say? We’re the ones that get frowned upon. It’s unbelievable. I guess the three strikes and you’re out rule doesn’t apply anymore. You can do whatever you want now and get away with it,” said one officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation.
Another police officer, who also spoke anonymously, said, “Back in the day he used to be a very good supervisor, but ever since he climbed to the rank of assistant chief, I believe it went to his head, and the feeling of entitlement is what corrupted him. I don’t believe any of the officers will ever be able to work under him with that type of behavior.”
As reported Thursday on sbnewspaper.com, a civil service hearing was held in the Cesar Gonzalez Meeting Hall at the San Benito Municipal Building on Thursday, June 2 in reference to a complaint filed by Judge David Garza against Garcia.
Garza filed a complaint March 24 in which he accused Garcia of soliciting his brother, Romeo Garza, to run against Commissioner Tony Gonzales.
A civil service committee, composed of Mary Lou Saldaña, Luis Gonzalez and Chairman Larry Drake heard arguments from both sides as they tried to determine adequate disciplinary action against Garcia. After hearing testimony from the judge, Garcia as well as Lieutenant Martin Morales, San Benito Police Department (SBPD) Internal Affairs investigator, the board ultimately decided to sustain the indefinite suspension, which was issued by San Benito Police Chief George Gomez.
The civil service committee reinstated Garcia and upheld a 15-day suspension without pay.
The first witness called to provide testimony was Judge Garza, who claimed that on Monday, March 7, Garcia called him to make an appointment to discuss a matter. “The majority of the time I saw Garcia, it was when I was doing arraignment at the police department,” said Garza. “I was in my office when I received a call from Garcia saying that he had an issue that he needed to discuss with me. When he walked into my office, I asked him what his concern was. His response was, ‘Do you think your brother will consider running against Tony Gonzales?’”
Garza, who confirmed that he had been friends with Garcia, stated that when Garcia arrived at his office he was in uniform and on duty.
“I responded by telling him that more than likely my brother did not have any interest in running. At that particular time I did have a picture of myself and Gonzales on my desk, which I did point out,” Garza said. “I believe his reaction was embarrassment when the photo was brought to his attention.”
Garza continued, “From that, he went on to discuss the personnel at the police department, demeaning them. He also talked about how the investigations against him are wrong. I found it unusual that anyone as supervisor of any department would come to me to solicit a candidate. It seemed wrong.”
The judge did not elaborate as to what investigations he was referring to.
Also called to testify on Thursday was Morales, who stated he felt that Garcia was making a political speech when he visited the judge.
Chief Gomez said, “It was my decision for (Garcia) to go on indefinite suspension. I will respect the Civil Service Committee’s decision. They can choose to uphold it (indefinite suspension) or turn it down.”
The last person to take the stand Thursday was Garcia himself. Garcia, who has served with the SBPD for 27 years, has been accused of three different violations in less than a year. Including these accusations, Garcia’s troubles began a year ago when he allegedly refused to take a random drug test and again just weeks later for allegedly transporting beer with his brother, also a police officer in San Benito, using a city vehicle. He has since been demoted from assistant chief to captain.
Garcia claimed that his reason for visiting the judge was to confirm a rumor he had heard regarding the possibility of Garza’s brother running for the city commission, rumors which he claimed had been discussed with Chief Gomez in January of this year.
“I had no political agenda to solicit anyone to run for office. I just wanted to clarify a rumor I had heard,” said Garcia. “My only reason to visit Judge Garza’s office was to confirm a rumor and ask a question.”
In the closing statements, Mike Lopez, Garcia’s attorney, said that he didn’t understand how asking a question could be interpreted as making a “political speech.”
After going into executive session for approximately 45 minutes, the civil service committee made the decision to reinstate Garcia.
“It’s strange to get written up three times in a year,” said Garcia after the hearing. “I will continue to do the job that I was hired to do.”
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the June 5 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
5 comments
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Members of Law Enforcement have no business trying to influence a political race, especially when they act in uniform and on duty. This is an ethics violation, which should be met with strict disipline. I believe Capt Garcia should have been reprimanded and/or demoted for his personal agenda in trying to stir a politcal campaign. The mere endorsement of a political candidate by any high ranking law enforcement officer tends to sway the voters into believing he is the better candidate. The reality is they are voting for the officers own agenda and or special interests.
I once went for help from JP David Garza, and instead I was treated rudely and unprofessional. I see him and his wife and they never say hi to me or my family. I now understand that, to me, this judge only does favors to his click and political friends like Tony Gonzales whos picture he has in his office. (how korny)….For a man who is well respected in the community, I would think he would tone it down on the power trip. I for one happen to believe in Capt. Garcia’s story. And I do believe that JP Garza changed the story to come after Garcia. I am not a member of Garcia’s family, but who are we trying to kid here on the true intentions by JP Garza. Judge Garza should be sanctioned or fined for reporting a well known ranking member of our police department. Welcome back Capt. Garcia!!!
I truly believe in Captain Garcia! He went to Judge Garza to dismiss a rumor and ended up getting stabbed in the back. I wonder if Judge Garza has ever solicited for someone to run for office?? I am sure he has. I applaud the civil service committee for not being intimidated by Judge “el politico” Garza! This judge is very much involved in helping city and school candidates, and has gotten away with it. And here he dares to report Mr. Garcia for soliciting for his brother to run for office? Give me a break Judge Garza!!! As a JP you should focus on your job instead of reporting our law enforcement. And isn’t having a photo of Tony Gonzales in his office not considered endorsing him? To me it is. I am so glad the civil service committee reinstated Capt. Garcia. As for Judge Garza, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!!
A tongue can accuse and carry bad news
The seeds of distrust, it will sow
But unless you’ve made no mistakes in your life
Be careful of stones that you throw.
I guess you must be as corrupt as garcia is. There was no previous mention about a rumor until he got caught. It is alleged that he went to garzas office for the single purpose of soliciting a candidate on behalf of a commissioner. There is a majority of citizens who believe he is corrupt. The only ones that are for him are his family so I guess I know who u are. Judge garza is well respected figure in our community and until you reach his status than u can talk. I did not know it was illegal to have pictures of close friends in your office? Dont be mad because u werent the privliged one on his desk.