HPD officer resigns, accused of falsifying documents in DWI cases

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston police officer is resigning after he was indicted for allegedly falsifying government documents in DWI cases.

Effective Friday, Kenneth Troost will no longer be a member of the department. He is only facing two felony counts but sources tell Eyewitness News that hundreds of DWI cases could be affected in Harris County.

His indictment in early June and his resignation this week were the result of a multi-month investigation by the Harris County District Attorney's office. Troost's paperwork on DWI cases began raising eyebrows as early as 2015.

Eyewitness News tried to speak with Troost on Thursday.

"Please respect my family's privacy during this difficult time, if you have any other questions, please contact my lawyer," Troost said when he answered the door.

The charges allege that in November 2015, Troost made two different DWI arrests and both had problems. In the case of Tomur Barnes, Troost's search warrant made it appear that he was at the scene of the arrest. Barnes attorney said his investigation showed Troost never was at the scene of the arrest. He was apparently at the police station and was involved only after the arrest was already made.

"What concerned me the most was there were inconsistencies in these reports, they were sworn reports, they need to be accurate," said attorney Brandon Roy. "What my client told me and what was placed before me in the evidence did not add up."

In another case, Troost arrested Amy Charron for DWI in Montrose. Charron's attorney told Eyewitness News that the dash cam video did not match the police report. In addition, records show Charron initially consented to a blood draw, but Troost's records show she did not consent.

Prosecutors dismissed both cases earlier this year. The reason on the dismissal paperwork stated, "In the interest of Justice."

Troost is being represented by veteran attorney Nicole DeBorde. She tells Eyewitness News that Troost is pleading not guilty, contending there is a difference between any honest mistakes made in paperwork versus falsifying documents with malicious intent. She says her client had no ill-intent.

Regardless of the outcome of Troost's cases, his indictment has already had a big effect. The Harris County District Attorney's Office confirms Brady notices went out to a number of lawyers. Sources with HPD tell Eyewitness News that several hundred previous and pending cases may be affected.

"If you're going to be an officer of the peace, you have to be an exceptional caliber of a person, in order to so you can hold the public trust," said civil attorney Chris Gabel.

Troost was hired by HPD in November 2006. He is currently out on bond and scheduled for a court appearance next month.