Local media reported that Constable Curtis Harris (D-Precinct 1) and others working for him are accused of stealing items from a tenant who was receiving an eviction notice while the resident was not home.
One of the conditions of his bond was that he stay within Smith County, but the 34-year-old constable was allegedly seen in a video receiving a diploma at a May 10 police academy graduation ceremony at Navarro College in Corsicana.
CBS 19 reported that the video depicts him in full uniform at the ceremony.
Consequently, state district Judge Jack Skeen Jr. increased Harris’ bail from $10,000 to $500,000.
Sergeant Larry Christian, the sheriff’s public information officer, told The Texan on Monday afternoon that Harris was arrested by the adult probation office and booked at 11:51 a.m. on Friday.
Christian explained that Harris was transferred to the Gregg County jail due to his position as a law enforcement officer, per standard practice.
Harris was still in custody as of Monday afternoon and his bond was increased to $500,000.
Harris took office as constable in January of last year. His chief deputy, LaQuenda Banks, and a sergeant in his department, Derrick Holman, are also facing charges.
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Hayden Sparks
Hayden Sparks is a senior reporter for The Texan and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. He has coached competitive speech and debate and has been involved in politics since a young age. One of Hayden's favorite quotes is by Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."
