Police investigating campaign sign thefts allegedly by county employee

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Early voting may be going slowly, but we've learned that what's happening with one campaign is now under investigation.

The Spring Valley Police Department is investigating an employee who works for Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack. That employee was seen by an officer allegedly stealing campaign signs for a candidate for county constable Precinct 5.

Investigators tell us the signs belonged to Al Florido. We found him Tuesday at the Spring Valley Police Department talking to detectives, who called him after a plain-clothed officer witnessed the alleged theft.

Detectives say that happened on a roadway not far from the police department earlier Tuesday. The police department has asked the Harris County District Attorney's Office to decide whether to pursue criminal charges.

"Absolutely we are going to press charges. I think it's not only disrespect to the people who support me, who've given money to my campaign and other folks who've given money to other candidates who are running for office to do things right," Florido said. "I think that the cronyism and the Good Ol' Boy system in Houston, Texas, Harris County, it's time for it to come down and I want to be on the frontier of it."

Late Tuesday night, Spring Valley police told Eyewitness News the Harris County District Attorney's Office told them they need to think about whether the case warrants charges. The lead investigator says the Harris County employee was on the clock when the alleged theft occurred.

Radack says he has talked to his employee, who claims he was not supposed to be working at the time.

"I trust the police department not that much, this is a totally political thing," Radack said.

The incumbent constable in Precinct 5, Phil Camus, shows on his own re-election website an endorsement from Radack.

We will stay on top of this story and bring you further information as it develops.

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local, kevin quinn

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