Ex-Odessa Police Officer Starts New Job with Crane Police Department Despite Several Policy Violations

CRANE, TX – An ex-police officer of Odessa Police Department, who resigned after violating several policies, has joined the Crane Police Department. 

The ex-police officer, Jesse Garcia, was a sergeant with the Odessa Police department when officials launched an internal investigation last year into reports of Garcia drinking alcohol on the job and bringing a local TV reporter back to the police station after hours without authorization, noted documents obtained by Local2/Fox24 News.  Click here to see surveillance footage of what Odessa Police say is Garcia bringing a local TV reporter into the police station.

Below is a list of other violations:

• Truthfulness
• Personal Behavior
• Use of Alcoholic Beverages or Other Intoxicants
• False Information
• Standards of Conduct of Duty
• Accountability
• Standards of Conduct-Use of Official Position
• Criminal Investigations
• False Information
• Standards of Conduct-Orders and Discipline
• Required Conduct
• Insubordination
• Use of Seatbelts
• Unsatisfactory Performance
• Proper Action Required

The internal investigation team also questioned Garcia on charges that he had allegedly tipped off a CBS7 reporter during two undercover assignments. Garcia vehemently denied these accusations, but after being presented by surveillance video, Garcia admitted to his actions. 

Crane Police Chief Jason Little said in a statement “Garcia was given a dishonorable discharge status following his resignation; however, Garcia appealed the dishonorable discharge with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and was granted the appeal, changing his status to an honorable discharge.”

Little said this is why he opted to hire Garcia as the newest member of the Crane Police Department.