HPD officer accused of stealing drugs appears in court

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Houston Police Department officer appeared in court today after being charged with narcotics-related evidence tampering, the department confirmed to ABC13.

Julissa Guzman Diaz was arrested and relieved of duty on Thursday.

Diaz was sworn in more than a decade ago and assigned to the Clear Lake patrol division.

According to sources, she was arrested on duty after an internal affairs sting operation. Diaz was suspected of stealing drugs during traffic stops, sources told ABC13.

Internal Affairs Division officers went undercover during the investigation.

Diaz is due to appear in probable cause court this morning, but will later appear for a hearing on Monday, with bond set at $2,500.

She has been placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the IAD investigation, and her peace officer powers have been suspended.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo released the following statement about Diaz's arrest:

"Ms. Diaz's betrayal of the public trust and oath of office is inconsistent with the dedication of the men and women of the Houston Police Department (HPD) and their tireless, honorable service. While we cannot overstate our depth of disappointment, we take solace in the fact the investigation that led to Ms. Diaz's arrest was conducted by men and women of the HPD, the same organization and co-workers she betrayed. We look forward to working with the Harris County District Attorney's office to ensure she is held to the highest level of accountability under the law. Ms. Diaz's peace officer powers have been suspended and she has been placed on administrative leave pending the completion of an internal affairs investigation. I urge anyone with information regarding her criminal misconduct or misconduct by any member of the Houston Police Department to contact us."

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