Yuba City Police Officer Allegedly Involved In Cocaine-Trafficking Scheme
YUBA CITY (CBS13) - A patrol officer paid to stop crime is now in trouble for allegedly helping drug dealers steer clear from getting caught.
His photo shows him as a model public servant. Officer Harminder Phagura with the Yuba City Police Department has a baseball card with his bio on the back, and a quote reading: "Your character is what you really are, your reputation is merely what people think you are."
It's an ironic statement considering his reputation and character are now both in question. The feds think he's a criminal.
The federal criminal complaint alleges Harminder Phagura, 35, helped sell cocaine. It alleges he got paid to do it, allegedly facilitating drug transactions using his authority.
"I'm shocked, saddened and disappointed to hear of the arrest of Officer Phagura and his alleged involvement in this case," said Yuba City Police Department Chief Rob Landon.
"The complaint alleges that Harminder Phagura provided official information and essentially acted as a lookout for drug transactions that were staged," said U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner.
Thirty-nine-year-old Gursharan Phagura was also arrested. Both are facing charges of conspiring to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute and use of a communication facility in narcotics trafficking activity.
Harminder was released on a $100,000 bond. Gursharan is being held and is scheduled to appear at a detention hearing on Thursday.
Investigators also executed search warrants at three locations with ties to the suspects, including two residences in Yuba City and a home in Roseville.
Harminder has been with the department for five years as a patrol officer and as a hostage negotiator.