Harris County DA Seeks Dismissal Of 27 Narcotics Cases

HOUSTON — Prosecutors in the Harris County DA's office are asking for 27 more cases be dismissed involving former HPD officers Gerald Goines and Steven Bryant, who are under investigation for their role in the botched Harding Street narcotics raid that killed two civilians and injured five officers, including Goines.

The DA's office launched an investigation shortly after officials determined details leading up to the raid were likely falsified in an official affidavit.

Goines, who wrote the affidavit, and Bryant were relieved of duty by the Houston Police Department following the Jan. 28 raid. They later retired.

Prosecutors announced in February they were reviewing 1,400 cases connected to Goines, and another 800 related to Bryant.

The motions for dismissal include all remaining non-adjudicated cases in which Goines or Bryant were material witness who could be required to testify in contested cases.

“Truthfulness is essential in a case that must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. We can’t vouch for these officers’ credibility,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said.

The motions are being filed today by Assistant District Attorney JoAnne Musick. All but one of the cases, which involve a total of 25 defendants, were for possessing or selling drugs. The other was for felon in possession of a firearm.

“Police corruption erodes public trust and through methodical, deliberate and independent investigation, we will get to the truth,” Ogg said.

Click here to see the 27 cases recommended for dismissal.

RELATED STORIES:

• 5 Houston Police Officers Injured, 2 Suspects Killed In Shootout
• HPD Officer Involved In Deadly Shooting Relieved Of Duty
• Police Release Names Of Suspects Killed In Narcotics Shootout
• HPD Chief Suggests Officer Lied On Affidavit In Deadly Drug Raid
• Houston Police Ending No-Knock Warrants In Wake Of Fatal Shooting
• Gerald Goines, HPD Investigator In Botched Raid, Retires

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