Ex-HPD officer found guilty on corruption charges

HOUSTON – After two days of trial and less than two hours of deliberation, a jury found a former Houston police officer guilty of corruption.

Officials said Leslie Aikens, 46, provided an escort for drug runners carrying 7 kilograms of cocaine through the Houston area in his official HPD vehicle in March. Those drug runners were undercover agents, officials said. Investigators said Aikens accepted a $2,000 bribe for his services.

Officials said the jury reviewed a video as well as audio tapes of the transaction.

The defense tried convincing the jury that Aikens had no knowledge of the cocaine.

But officials said the jury didn't buy it and found Aikens guilty on all counts.

Aikens faces 10 years to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million.