HPD officer accused of cocaine trafficking

Noe Juarez is accused of conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and conspiring to carry a gun while trafficking drugs.



See photos of some of Houston's major drug busts in the past year. Noe Juarez is accused of conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and conspiring to carry a gun while trafficking drugs.



See photos of some of Houston's major drug busts in the past year. Photo: Handout Photo Photo: Handout Photo Image 1 of / 29 Caption Close HPD officer accused of cocaine trafficking 1 / 29 Back to Gallery

Noe Juarez was wearing leg shackles and handcuffs secured to a waist chain when he appeared before a federal magistrate judge on Wednesday.

It was very different uniform from the badge and gun he had been wearing just a day earlier when he was arrested by colleagues and federal agents on drug trafficking charges that could land him behind bars for life.

The 46-year-old is accused of conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and conspiring to carry a gun while trafficking drugs, prosecutors said when he was arraigned in U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Smith's court.

After the hearing, Juarez's attorney, George Murphy, said there is very little information in the indictment handed down last week.

"All they're doing is saying he's done these things and they haven't put any meat on the bones," Murphy said. "This is the most bare-boned indictment I've seen in a long time."

Juarez will remain in federal custody without bail until a hearing Monday.

Prosecutors said in court that they believe Juarez is flight risk and dangerous. They did not answer questions after the arraignment.

Murphy said he is focusing on Monday's hearing and will ask the judge to set bail.

"He's got a long history of law-abiding conduct," Murphy said. "Mr. Juarez will show up for court and he's not a danger to the community. He deserves a bond."

Wearing a sleeveless black T-shirt, black pants and sneakers, Juarez did not speak during his arraignment. Among tattoos of tribal designs and Chinese symbols on his shoulder, Juarez had the name "Gayle."

His wife, Gayle, was in the courtroom but did not speak. She did not speak to reporters after the hearing.

Juarez, a senior Houston Police officer who has been on the force since 1995, was relieved of duty following his arrest by fellow officers and federal agents, according to HPD.

Also charged with an alleged role in the conspiracy is Sergio Grimaldo, 32, of Mexico.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite, who is based in New Orleans, said the investigation remains ongoing and is part of an earlier indictment.

The probe is being handled by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Houston and New Orleans, as well as the FBI and Houston Police, he said.

The Houston Police Officers Union issued a statement saying they take all allegations of criminal wrongdoing against Houston police officers very seriously but are not commenting on the case.

"While the allegations in this particular case are disturbing, we are unable to comment on the merits of the allegations or the status of the legal proceedings," according to the statement. "The HPOU is not involved in the investigation, prosecution or defense of any of the individual(s) involved in this matter."

Dane Schiller contributed to this report