Arlington Officer Admits Steroid Use
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The CBS 11 I-Team has uncovered new information on the steroids scandal out of Arlington. Three officers have been connected to a federal investigation. One's been charged, another questioned and the third committed suicide as this story broke.
Investigative Reporter Mireya Villarreal got a hold of the personnel files for all three officers involved in the investigation. The files include things like college transcripts, disciplinary actions, transfer paperwork and applications for employment. On Officer Craig Hermans' original application he admits to using steroids.
Thomas Kantzos was a 17 year veteran of the force that younger officers looked up to. David Vo worked with the department's gang unit at one time and often led his division in citations. Craig Hermans graduated in the same academy class as Vo and was also known for his hard work in the field.
David Vo and Thomas Kantzos were arrested back in early June, both connected to a federal investigation involving steroids. On July 3, 2013 Kantzos was indicted for using a department computer to look up confidential information for a drug dealer.
Just one day after this scandal broke Chief Johnson took a strong stand against steroid use, "If I find out that they're doing illegal drugs, they will be terminated."
But long before the steroids scandal ever broke the Arlington Police Department was well aware of Officer Craig Hermans' steroid use. Internal documents from Officer Hermans personnel file shows Hermans admitted to using at least once cycle of steroids back in 1998. In the Arlington Police Department's background investigation report, Hermans blamed his steroids use on being skinny and having low self-esteem. He claimed after six doses he stopped using and never did it again.
When we specifically asked about Herman's employment, Arlington Police Department released this statement:
"The Arlington Police Department goes above and beyond to hire the best candidates to serve our community. This includes an exhaustive hiring process of investigative background checks, psychological and medical evaluation, and applicant self-disclosures through the interview process. Candidates do not have to be perfect, however they must be honest, committed to our values, and be an exemplary public servant." – Sergeant Christopher Cook
Officer Hermans is suspended, but still getting paid. On Friday, top police and city officials will be meeting to discuss changes to the department's current drug-testing policy. As of right now the drug tests don't include steroid testing.
(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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