HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A deputy with the Harris County Sheriff's Department is facing drug charges.
Christopher Ellis, 34, is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
Recommended Videos
Ellis is accused of stealing narcotics from drug dealers while on duty and then trying to sell those drugs for a profit, according to authorities.
Authorities say the investigation started after information was received about Ellis' action.
Officials say Ellis was arrested Monday during his patrol shift. It happened near Beltway 8 and Highway 249 after Ellis allegedly sold cocaine, marijuana, Lorcet tablets and Soma tablets for $1,000 to an undercover officer.
"Our mission of transparency and accountability for the purpose of maintaining the public's trust requires constant vigilance," Harris County Chief Deputy Armando Tello said. "Of the approximately 4,500 men and women in service to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the overwhelming majority follow the strict standards and policies enforced by Sheriff Garcia."
Ellis has been employed at the Sheriff's Office since March 2010. He has been placed on indefinite suspension. He could be sentenced to life in prison and be forced to pay a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Ellis is being held on two bonds that total $120,000. The investigation remains ongoing.
"Officers who violate the public trust by doing criminal acts will not be tolerated and Christopher Ellis will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." District Attorney Devon Anderson said, "I commend the Harris County Sheriff's Office for promptly contacting us and working diligently to bring Deputy Ellis to justice."
Authorities said that they believe there are drug dealers who have been victimized by Ellis and encourages anyone with information to call the Internal Affairs Division of the Harris County Sheriff's Office at 713-755-6517.