6 officers, 3 others arrested in illegal racing scheme

Rebekah Scott lives near El Herradero Ranch which was marked as a training facility but nine people were arrested for illegal horse racing Saturday on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Crosby. Scott did not approve of heavy traffic, littering of alcoholic beverages on her yard, and loud music every weekend. less Rebekah Scott lives near El Herradero Ranch which was marked as a training facility but nine people were arrested for illegal horse racing Saturday on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Crosby. Scott did not approve of ... more Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close 6 officers, 3 others arrested in illegal racing scheme 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

Nine people, including six law enforcement officers, were arrested Saturday on charges of operating an illegal horse racing track in Crosby, Harris County prosecutors said.

The 11-month investigation found that an illegal racing and gambling business was operated at Rancho El Herradero, 12402 Sralla Road, the district attorney's office said in a news release. Authorities said the six licensed police officers arrested were providing security at the track.

The six officers arrested were identified as Secar Guadelupe Rangel, 34, and Joel Garcia, 31, deputy constables in Harris County Precinct 1; Richard Rene Rivera, 57, a Department of Public Safety trooper; David Green, 37, and Edward Scott, 34, reserve deputy constables in Fort Bend County Precinct 2; and Carlos Garza, 64, a reserve sheriff's deputy in Maverick County in Southwest Texas.

Three civilians - Cosuelo Rivera, 61; Reginaldo Mandujano, 53; and Diana Marie Salinas,19 - also were arrested.

All nine were charged with racing without a license, a felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Cosuelo Rivera, identified as the wife of Richard Rene Rivera, also was charged with impersonating a peace officer.

All of the officers and Cosuelo Rivera were freed on bond, according to court records. Salina remains in a Harris County jail. Court records did not include any information on Mandujano's case.

Court records show Green was charged with theft in Harris County in 1994. Garza's record includes charges for assault and driving while intoxicated, court records state.

Terese Buess, chief of the DA office's public integrity division, said in the news release that the lengthy investigation included multiple undercover surveillance operations.

The investigation was led by the district attorney's office, DPS and the Texas Rangers.

Authorities said the track typically opened around mid-afternoon on weekends, with races continuing until about midnight.