Liberty County sheriff's deputy charged with theft

A federal investigation has netted theft charges against a Liberty County sheriff's deputy, a veteran officer who was fired by the Harris County Sheriff's Office in 2008.

Anthony "Tony" E. Lewis, 40, of Humble, was arrested Thursday by federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, confirmed special agent Franceska Perot.

Lewis is charged with stealing an emergency generator and a plasma cutter, an expensive metal cutting tool used by welders, according to charges filed Thursday by the Harris County District Attorney's office.

"He's been suspended without pay pending outcome of an investigation by the chief deputy," said Capt. Rex Evans with the Liberty County sheriff's office. "We were not involved in the investigation. I haven't receive a whole lot of information officially, other than it's a state jail felony."

Lewis is accused of purchasing the stolen goods Thursday.

Evans said Lewis had been assigned to department's special crimes unit, which is supervised by Deputy Louis Guthrie. After a contested Republican primary, Guthrie faces Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia in the November general election.

Lewis was an unsuccessful Republican challenger to Harris County Precinct 3 Constable Ken Jones in 2008. Guthrie, who was also fired by the Harris County Sheriff's Office, ran unsuccessfully to unseat Precinct 4 Constable Ron Hickman in 2008.

Evans said it was rare that one of their deputies was charged with a crime. "I believe it wouldn't be prudent to speculate on the case, but it's very unusual for one of our deputies to be in legal troubles," Evans said.

james.pinkerton@chron.com