Four Dallas police officers arrested in gambling investigation

Several officers turned themselves in to authorities in a corruption scandal that has rocked the Dallas Police Department.

FOX 4 first reported Wednesday night about the arrest warrants issued against four officers charged with crimes ranging from gambling promotion to engaging in organized crime, bribery and fraud. Three officers turned themselves in on Thursday.

The ordeal began with DPD Senior Corporal Edrick Smith from the South Central Patrol Division. He was first arrested in December for taking bribes and was already placed on administrative leave. Now, he is facing new charges along with three other officers.

DPD Senior Corporal Eric Van Meter Jr. and Senior Corporal Rogers Williams both turned themselves in to the Seagoville Police Department on Thursday where they were booked in and posted bond.

Van Meter's charges include engaging in criminal activity and money laundering. Williams is charged with misdemeanor gambling promotion.

Sergeant Shannon Browning posted bond on his charges of engaging in criminal activity and money laundering on Thursday and was not booked into jail.

Smith also had new arrest warrants for engaging in criminal activity and money laundering.

Sources tell FOX 4 the officers were gambling. They say Van Meter, Williams and Browning were placing bets on athletic events with Smith, who then laid their bets with bookies at gambling houses.

Smith allegedly gave Sergeant Latesha Moore gifts to alert him if one of the gambling spots was going to be raided. Moore was arrested for involvement in her own alleged gambling operation earlier this month. She reportedly turned in Smith to the DPD Public Integrity Unit.

Chief of Police Renee Hall would not talk to FOX 4 about the case, saying it is an ongoing investigation. She added when the time was right that she would speak freely.

Van Meter, Williams and Browning were all nine to eleven-year members of the SWAT team.

There could be more officers caught in the gambling games investigation.

News