Houston Chronicle by St. John Barned-Smith July 24, 2019
Two Houston police officers testified Wednesday before a federal grand jury regarding the botched drug raid that left two homeowners dead — the first sign that federal prosecutors are pursuing criminal charges in the controversial case.
Houston Police Officers’ Union Vice President Doug Griffith confirmed that the two officers appeared before the grand jury, though their testimony is secret by law. Grand jury investigations can last weeks or months.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said he was unaware of officers being called by federal authorities to appear before a grand jury.
“We have completed our criminal investigation and are fully cooperating and working collaboratively with the FBI and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office as they conduct separate independent investigations,†he said. “The matter is now in the hands of the District Attorney, the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office, and further comment would be inappropriate at this time.â€
Federal officials would not discuss the case, but Ken Magidson, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, said the grand jury proceedings indicate the gravity of the case.
“It’s a serious matter, because it wouldn’t be brought before a grand jury unless people felt there was sufficient information to believe an indictment is a possibility,†Magidson said.
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