HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Two Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies are under investigation after allegations of misconduct during a traffic stop that was secretly recorded.
The deputies have been reassigned to administrative duty while Internal Affairs probes the complaint.
On Feb. 11, 24-year old Torrance Valentine was driving with a friend when a deputy stopped them in the 6700 block of Westbranch.
Valentine recorded the encounter on his cellphone.
In the video you can hear the first deputy say he pulled Valentine over because his license plate was obstructed by a plastic cover.
A few minutes later a second deputy arrives on the scene, and makes Valentine and his passenger get out of the car.
On the recording Valentine is heard asking why he's being detained. The second deputy responds, "Because your car smells like weed, I forgot to tell you."
Valentine tells the deputy he doesn't smoke weed and gives them permission to search his car.
The second deputy is heard saying,"If that (expletive) got a leaf in that (expletive) he is going to jail."
The deputies didn't find any marijuana, but didn't seem satisfied and continue their rant.
"Write that (expletive) some tickets for no driver's license, no insurance, that way we can justify tearing his (expletive) up," says the second deputy.
Community activist Quanell X says the deputies should be fired.
"These cops are not officers of the law, these men sound like thugs in uniform," he said.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office released the following statement in response:
"The HCSO has been made aware of alleged inappropriate behavior by members of this agency. The evidence has been immediately turned over to our Internal Affairs Division for a full investigation.
The deputies involved in the traffic stop will be placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the internal investigation.
Allegations such as these hurt every employee at the Harris County Sheriff's Office who upholds our core values at all times. If these allegations are proven to be true, then those at fault should apologize to their colleagues for their actions, and to the community which they are entrusted to serve.
Delivering professional service and exemplifying ethical conduct at all times are critical parts of the HCSO's Core Values. Any behavior to the contrary is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The HCSO maintains an open door policy and a commitment to transparency. Any citizen who would like to file a complaint against an HCSO employee for unprofessional conduct can do so by filing a formal complaint with our Internal Affairs Division. Similarly, any citizen who would like to commend an HCSO is encouraged to do so. More information on the process can be found on the HCSO's website: http://www.harriscountyso.org/file_a_complaint.aspx."