SAN ANTONIO – They recruited young women to participate in what they claimed was a “covert undercover operation to catch drug lords, terrorists and other criminals,” according to prosecutors. That is what they told the jury as the trial of former San Antonio police Officers Alejandro Chapa and Emmanuel Galindo began Tuesday.
The former officers are facing charges of aggravated sexual assault, compelling prostitution and official oppression. Both have been fired from their positions.
During his opening statement, prosecutor Ryan Wright told the jury that the women were told that they would have to pose as the officers’ wives or girlfriends as part of the ruse.
Wright said that the officers told the women, “Ultimately, you’ve got to be willing to prove that you would be willing to have sex with our agents in case we would need to have that in some type of undercover situation.”
Serena Hernandez testified that she was interviewed for the pair’s "program" but declined. She said that the proposal included signing a contract after filling out a questionnaire.
“Asking if you would feel comfortable doing any illegal drugs, if you would feel comfortable drinking with them and doing sexual favors for them,” Hernandez said.
Defense attorney Leigh Cutter told the jury that her clients did nothing illegal.
“Probably immoral,” she said. “But the reality is that it’s not illegal to lie to someone to have sex with them.”
Testimony is expected to continue Wednesday in Judge Steve Hilbig’s 187th District Court.
A conviction could mean a maximum 20-year prison term for Chapa and Galindo.
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