Yet again, the Dallas Police Department sends an email saying there's a press release on Facebook -- so many hoops, but so worth it. The department says Chief David Brown's fired three officers, including Senior Corporal Cat Lafitte, otherwise known as the artist who took to Facebook in February to brag about her "Jerry Springer style" dust-up in a Plano hospital.
Also on the dismissed list: Sergeant Hector Roa, involved in a 2010 Greenville Avenue bar brawl during which, DPD says, he "was found to be intoxicated in a public place and was carrying a secondary weapon with which he had not qualified." For starters. And: Officer Lavar Horne, who "conducted a traffic stop during which he conducted a search of the vehicle and seized a handgun and marijuana," none of which made its way to the property room -- hence not only his firing, but also his arrest. Jump for the whole shebang.
Chief Brown Terminates Three
Following investigations by the Internal Affairs Division and disciplinary hearings this afternoon, Police Chief David O. Brown terminated three officers from employment with the Dallas Police Department. The officers are Senior Corporal Cathryn Lafitte #8641, Sergeant Hector Roa #7374 and Police Officer Lavar Horne #8345.
On February 9, 2011, Senior Corporal Lafitte visited a Plano, TX hospital emergency room and during her visit became involved in a disturbance that resulted in a response by the Plano Police Department. Senior Corporal Lafitte later posted comments on Facebook which by their nature would have a tendency to adversely affect, lower or destroy public respect and confidence in the Dallas Police Department or in her as a police officer. During the period of May 19, 2011 through May 25, 2011 Senior Corporal Lafitte was absent without leave and on May 19, 2011 she violated the departmental sick leave policy.
On February 7, 2010, Sergeant Hector Roa was off duty and in civilian clothing when he became involved in an altercation at a Greenville Avenue Bar that led to his arrest for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. During this off-duty incident, Sergeant Roa was found to be intoxicated in a public place and was carrying a secondary weapon with which he had not qualified. On September 3, 2010, while Sergeant Roa was on Administrative Leave, he engaged in conduct which resulted in him receiving a citation for Reckless Conduct, was found to be intoxicated and was untruthful to a supervisor.
On April 28, 2011, Police Officer Horne conducted a traffic stop during which he conducted a search of the vehicle and seized a handgun and marijuana. The occupants of the vehicle were allowed to leave with no enforcement action taken. Officer Horne did not deliver the property to the Departmental custodian prior to the end of his shift, but instead placed the weapon in his personal bag and threw the marijuana away. During the Internal Affairs' investigation, it was discovered that on two separate occasions Officer Horne had failed to devote his entire time and attention to the business of the department. Additionally, during April 2011, Officer Horne failed to follow established Departmental policies and procedures when he deactivated his Digital Video Recorder during the course of conducting traffic stops, operated his city vehicle without activating the Mobile Work Station and failed to mark out his location while conducting traffic stops.
Under civil service rules each of the officers have the right to appeal their terminations.
In addition to the disciplinary action, Officer Lavar Horne was arrested on two charges, Theft by a Public Servant and Tampering with Evidence. Both charges are Third Degree Felonies which are punishable by incarceration of from 2 to 10 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
