SAN ANTONIO -- He was supposed to enforce the law, but instead a local sheriff''s deputy is accused of breaking it.
The 20-year veteran is behind bars, charged with drug possession. Sheriff's investigators say the detention officer was selling heroin to inmates. But after a sting operation, the deputy is now in jail.
On Friday, 48-year-old Robert Falcon was charged with possession and intent to deliver heroin.
On Thursday, investigators received inside information that Falcon was selling drugs to inmates inside the Bexar County Jail.
"We set up a sting operation. The drugs were delivered to the officer on day shift. Some money was given to him," Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz said.
Detectives say Falcon took the cash and handed off the simulated drugs to two inmates. Investigators believe the former detention officer has done this before by smuggling in drugs with his lunch.
"He had a taco and some refried beans, and he was taping the beans to the inside of a cup," Ortiz said.
The problem of drugs in the jail has gone on for years, Ortiz said. In a January interview with KENS 5, he admitted deputies were often involved.
He says that was the case on Friday after Falcon allegedly tried to sell illegal drugs for a mere $50.
"True crime doesn't pay, and it's especially a sad day when a 20-year veteran with the office throws away his whole career by bringing drugs to be distributed by the inmates," the sheriff said.
Investigators don't know who the drug supplier was. In the meantime, Falcon remains at the Bexar County Jail -- under arrest. His bond has been set at $20,000.
He faces second degree felony charges, which, if convicted, could keep him behind bars for up to 20 years.
Falcon also could be fined up to $20,000.
