HPD officer facing bribery charge gets new lawyers

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

(2/06/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- The HPD officer accused of taking a bribe has a new defense team and it's warning other officers.

The Coalition of Police and Sheriffs Union is taking over the defense for Alfred Alaniz. He's accused of taking a $200 bribe in order to let a speeding driver go. The Houston Police Patrolmen's Union said it couldn't represent Alaniz because his case didn't meet union standards.

Alaniz's attorney points out he's been a paying member of that union for 21 years and says other members should be worried.

"I would be afraid if I was in that union simply because in your time of need, where are they? They told him to come up here for five minutes by himself the first time," said defense attorney Bert Springer. "For 21 years, you can't get somebody to come with you for five minutes?"

Today, the judge granted a defense request for an examining trial. It's set for February 16.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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