Texas border police officer indicted on money laundering charges

A grand jury has indicted Harlingen Police Department Sgt. Robert Ahrens, 33, for allegedly laundering $1,500 to $20,000 in drug money. A grand jury has indicted Harlingen Police Department Sgt. Robert Ahrens, 33, for allegedly laundering $1,500 to $20,000 in drug money. Image 1 of / 48 Caption Close Texas border police officer indicted on money laundering charges 1 / 48 Back to Gallery

A grand jury has indicted a Harlingen police officer for allegedly laundering $1,500 to $20,000 in drug money.

Harlingen Police Department Sgt. Robert Ahrens, 33, was indicted on Dec. 17 after being arrested at the police department in November, the McAllen Monitor reported.

Ahrens, who has served with the department for 10 years, has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case, ValleyCentral.com reported.

Officials first learned of Ahrens' possible misconduct in mid-2013, the Monitor reported.

"It's a credit to the Harlingen Police Department that its supervisors and personnel detected this possible illegal activity and insisted that a complete investigation be conducted," Interim Police Chief Stephen Mayer said in November.

If convicted, Ahrens could face up to two years in jail and $10,000 in fines.

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