By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
A San Benito police officer remains on paid leave pending the outcome of a Civil Service Commission meeting Wednesday, when officials will discuss a substance reportedly flagged during a drug test that has brought the officer’s fitness into question.
Arturo Rodriguez, assistant city manager for the City of San Benito, confirmed Tuesday that officer Guadalupe “Lupi” Andrade, a patrolman for the San Benito Police Department, has been placed on paid leave after the substance, which has yet to be made public, was flagged during her annual physical and drug screening last month.
Rodriguez said that while “red flags were raised” Andrade did not fail the drug test. Also, the assistant city manager said the purpose of Wednesday’s meeting was to exchange information between the two parties, the Civil Service Commission and Andrade, in an effort to determine her “fitness for duty.”
When asked to comment, Andrade said, “This is a private, personal matter. I don’t think the media should be covering this.”
Larry Drake, chairman of the Civil Service Commission, said he was unaware of much of the circumstances surrounding the issue but stressed that the meeting was a matter of procedure and that caution will be taken during the proceedings.
“I have complete confidence in the other two commissioners,” Drake said of fellow Civil Service Commissioners Lorenzo Sanchez and Arnie Gonzalez. “They have demonstrated good interest and good procedures.”
The meeting begins Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. inside the Municipal Building Cesar Gonzalez Meeting Room.
Editor’s Note: San Benito News reporter Monica Zuñiga contributed to this report.
To read this story in print, pick up a copy of the July 25 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
3 comments
City officials have potentially made several violations of Texas law by speaking to the media openly about personnel matters of this type. Is this man already convicted by the City administration or what?? I smell a lawsuit already. Is this more of the revenge game at City Hall??
It is premature to pass judgment on this individual, at least until the facts are ascertained. Let’s let the system play out, and run it’s course. I hope (and believe) that this positive test was not the result of any form of illegal recreational drug use. Drug tests are inherently imperfect, and–while rare–false positives do occur. Moreover, there are a variety of legal substances, such as prescription medications, and even some foods that can also give a “positive” result. So, for now, let’s give this person the privacy that she deserves. She is presumed innocent. I hope that she is. Let us avoid jumping in to defame this person’s character until the facts are known.
What the heck kind of comment is this? By this officer? I don’t think the media should be covering this. Oh hell yeah. Why not? What are you hiding? This tells me that illegal drugs were not found during your drug test but other drugs were found. Anybody knows that you can be addicted to prescribes drugs too. It boggles my mind that this officer has a “red flag” again. I know, she will be crying that it is a discrimination thing because she is female. She has stated before that she doesn’t get treated the same. My advice to her: resign! You are making this city look bad again! If you have to be on drugs while working, then maybe you need a different job like pole dancing or go back to HEB…oh wait, they drug test too. lol