Owner: Officers broke into SE Houston game room, stole thousands in cash
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The owner of a southeast Houston game room claims police officers broke into his business and stole thousands of dollars in cash.
Marcquette Jones says the burglary happened April 16 and that he has video of that corroborates his allegation.
In the video, which you can see here, two men in police uniforms are seen at the front door of the business, located at 2618 Scott Street. The viewer then can see what appears to be an officer kicking in the front door and going inside. Jones could not provide video showing exactly what happened inside or video depicting their exit.
"I'm so happy someone got to see the video," Jones said.
Jones admits he was arrested at the same location earlier this year and charged with marijuana possession. He tells us he pleaded guilty in that case and spent ten days in jail. During that earlier incident, he insists, officers stole over $23,000 in cash, which he had on hand. He claims the money was revenue generated by customers coming in to play pool, craps and other games in addition to what they would spend on food and drink.
Jones has filed a complaint with HPD's Internal Affairs Division and is asking also for an independent investigation to be done by the Harris County District Attorney's Office's Public Integrity Unit.
The Houston Police Department would not respond to the allegations except to confirm the existence of the IAD investigation.
"The Houston Police Department takes allegations of officer misconduct seriously," Chief Charles McClelland said.
It's worth noting that Jones has a significant criminal history dating back to 1999, including convictions for possession and assault.
