Texas Town Takes Property From Motorists
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Texas Town Takes Property From Motorists
A newspaper investigation shows that authorities in a small Texas town took property including jewelry and vehicles from 140 motorists over a two-year period, under a state law that one leading state senator says is due for a change.
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SAN ANTONIO (February 8, 2009)—A newspaper investigation shows that authorities in a small Texas town took property including jewelry and vehicles from 140 motorists over a two-year period, under a state law that one leading state senator says is due for a change.

The San Antonio Express-News reviewed court documents that showed law enforcement officers in Tenaha took property from at least 140 motorists between 2006 and 2008, but filed charges against fewer than half of the drivers.

An attorney who represents a group of motorists who have filed suit against officials in the town and Shelby County said motorists were told to waive their rights to the property or face jail and criminal charges.

All ten of his clients are black and were driving rental cars or vehicles with out-of-state plates.

Tenaha Mayor George Bowers defended the seizures, but the chairman of the state Senate Criminal Justice Committee, Sen. John Whitmire, said enough jurisdictions across the state have abused the law over the last two decades that it's due for an overhaul.

Latest Comments

Posted by: So You Know Location: Centex on Feb 10, 2009 at 03:44 PM

Open Minded in Copperas Cove not all police officers stick by the book. They are human, and they do at times break the law. I understand racing through lights when there is a "real" emergency, but not to blow through an intersection to get home quicker for lunch. It does happen, and Cove was a prime example of cops taking advantage. About 10 years ago when they got their new motorcycles, they were trying to pay for them any way they could. Pulling people over for NO reason, basically just harrassing the public. I got pulled over 5 times in one month because of fog lamps on my vehicle that were factory. I finally made a formal complaint and amazingly didn't get pulled over again! It was such a huge deal, they were being investigated by the state, it was all over the news etc. I do appreciate police, fireman and anyone else who serves the community, but there are those that abuse their power and positions!
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 10, 2009 at 02:25 PM

I agree with Open Minded on the running red lights thing (could be headed to a robbery in progress or something like that) but they need to obey the laws, like we have to, when they are able. BUT, the article said the property included jewelry. Last time I checked that's not illegal to possess and I can't think of any reason why they would need to take that from someone.
Posted by: someone Location: somwhere on Feb 10, 2009 at 01:12 PM

To Open Minded: It sounds like you may be a piggy? I have known many cops who abuse their power. I have seen many of them sit a a light and turn their siren on in order to run it and then turn the siren off again. I even witnessed an officer do it to get to a fast food restaurant before they officially closed for the evening. I went to the same restaurant having stayed at the light and got my food.
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