HOUSTON, Texas — A 49-year-old former deputy constable of Harris County Precinct 1 has been sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Alexsander S. Reyes, a resident of Huffman, pleaded guilty on January 6, 2022. Today, U.S. District Judge David Hittner handed down a sentence of 210 months in federal prison, to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. The court acknowledged that Reyes abused the public trust and committed the crimes while on duty, further highlighting his use of his patrol vehicle and service firearm. Judge Hittner also designated Reyes as a leader/organizer due to his recruitment of others to assist in the crimes.
“Reyes was a cop who wanted to help criminals by becoming one himself,” said Hamdani. “While the vast majority of police serve with courage and character, there are sadly a few that choose to dishonor their badges. Ferreting out those bad apples is something we in the Southern District of Texas take seriously so as to ensure the integrity of our criminal justice system.”
“Alexsander Reyes was a dirty cop who got caught red-handed and has now been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison,” said Special Agent in Charge James Smith of the FBI. “We hope his lengthy sentence sends a clear message to others who think they can mask their criminal and corrupt behavior with their uniform, gun, and badge.”
According to court documents, on December 5, 2020, Reyes escorted a tractor-trailer in a marked constable vehicle through Houston, believing it contained 10 kilograms of cocaine. His then girlfriend, Priscilla Yvette Cervantes, 46, of Huffman, assisted him in the operation. However, the drug load was part of an undercover operation and included fake cocaine. Prior to the escort, Reyes and Cervantes had transported a total of $350,000, proceeds allegedly from the sales of narcotics, on two trips to Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Reyes will remain in custody until he is transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. Priscilla Yvette Cervantes was convicted by a federal jury in October 2022 and has been sentenced to 121 months in prison.
The FBI led the investigation with assistance from the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, Houston Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and Heather Winter prosecuted the case.
