The Harris County Sheriff's Office fired Jason Hayes after they say he tried to steal money from a game room raid last month.
Hayes is accused of trying to steal about $7,000 during that raid. The alleged crime happened last month when the 33-year-old deputy was among a team investigating a place called 'Tip Top Game Room' on Tomball Parkway.
According to court documents, Hayes was allegedly seen by a coworker and on surveillance video, with money in his hand, attempting to hide the cash in a cargo pocket of his pants. Investigators say Hayes later admitted to breaking protocol in handling that cash evidence.
He's now charged with theft by public servant and tampering with evidence.
"If there's concrete evidence, then by all means fire the guy because we don't need that in our system," said Harris County resident Michael Garza. "We're trying to make the place a better place, not a worse place."
Sheriff Adrian Garcia issued a statement today, saying, "Too many honest and hard-working deputies have sacrificed a great deal. I will not let someone like Hayes trample on their good name or on the integrity of the many good and honest employees."
Hayes posted a non-arrest bond Friday. He'd been employed with the Harris County Sheriff Office for 10 years. /p>
Hayes had been with the Harris County Sheriff's Office since 2004.
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