A Galveston cop was arrested by fellow officers Friday morning accused of helping a members of a suspected prescription drug ring avoid arrest.
Officer John Rutherford, 40, is charged with organized criminal activity, misuse of official information and tampering with physical evidence.
Rutherford was the target of a months-long investigation by Galveston police and the FBI.
They first became suspicious of Rutherford several months ago while investigating a suspected drug dealer named Salvador Rivera.
Narcotics detectives uncovered evidence that Rutherford was working with Rivera and selling prescription drugs, Galveston Police Chief Vernon Hale said.
Hale said Rutherford provided classified information about the police department, including where officers were located, that helped Rivera avoid arrest.
“In my opinion, they also put these officers’ safety at risk,” Hale said. “We, Galveston police officers, are disgraced that this could occur.”
Rutherford was arrested at the police station at the same time the FBI SWAT team arrested Rivera at his home.
“We realize the community may feel betrayed by someone sworn to protect them; I can assure you that you are not alone," Hale said. "The men and women of the Galveston Police Department share in this disappointment."
Rutherford is jailed on a $750,000 bond and has been placed on leave.
He had been with GPD since 2003 and worked in the patrol division.