A San Antonio Police Officer was arrested Thursday night in an apparent bribery investigation.

A federal criminal complaint was filed against San Antonio Police Officer Curtis W. Lundy (36) Friday charging him with theft of honest services by wire fraud.

"If convicted this offense is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000," said Chief William McManus.

The SAPD received a complaint that on December 15,2012, Officer Lundy responded to a call concerning an assault in progress at a Northside apartment complex. Once Officer Lundy had detained a person in connection with the assault, the suspect told Officer Lundy he also had marijuana on him. The complainant said Officer Lundy then indicated that he would hold off on filing the possession of marijuana charge if the suspect paid him $400, which he later upped to $500.

"There are few things in public service that are worse than a bad cop, and what happened last night angers me and it disgusts me. As the highest ranking official in the San Antonio Police Department I do not and will not ever tolerate a crime committed by any public official, especially one of my own officers," said Chief McManus."

SAPD Officials notified Chief McManus of the allegations, at which point he said they launched an immediate internal and criminal investigation.

"After launching that investigation we contacted the FBI to assist us in conducting surveillance on Officer Lundy. A joint sting operation between SAPD and FBI was conducted, and less than 48 hours after the initial allegation was made Officer Lundy was arrested," said Chief McManus.

According to a report from the Department of Justice 'surveillance observed Officer Lundy, the sole occupant, arrive in a marked SAPD patrol vehicle and collected an envelope from the subject which contained the $500.

Officer Lundy was arrested around 6:30 Thursday evening, and was released on bond Friday afternoon. He has served the SAPD for four years and is being put on paid administrative leave until he is officially indicted.

"It's more than frustrating, because we work very very hard to build public trust in this police department." said Chief McMamus. "An incident like this is a kick in the stomach to the entire department, and there's not one police officer in this department that will condone this or turn a blind eye."

By: Marissa A. Wagner
Friday, January 4, 2013
5:17 p.m.