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Two Fresno Police Officers Arrested

By Norma Yuriar and Winston Whitehurst

Fresno, CA (KMPH) - Two Fresno police officers arrested for auto theft have posted bail.  Officer Paul Cervantes and Detective Hector Becerra were arrested Friday by the California Highway Patrol.  Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says the arrests stem from an investigation that occurred over the last several months by the HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) Task Force.  HEAT is compromised of several agencies including CHP and the Fresno Police Department.   Chief Dyer says Cervantes and Becerra turned in their badges before the CHP took them into custody Friday.

"I'm deeply concerned over the fact that I've had two of my officers arrested and charged with auto theft," said Dyer, who is also aware additional officers may be arrested for a crime.  According to the Police Chief, a total of four Fresno Police Detectives are under investigation, including 32-year old Cervantes and 33-year old Becerra. Dyer and the CHP offered no other information. "We don't have the details on what led up to the issuance of the arrest warrant" said Dyer.  "But, what we do know is that back in October of 2008 our HEAT Unit began an investigation and that investigation was involving one of our undercover officers who had a business on the side, it was an auto-body business. There was information regarding stolen parts going through that business."  Dyer says that investigation was conducted and completed, but four additional names were mentioned during an Internal FPD investigation.  As a result, Dyer says Cervantes and Becerra were arrested, the other two are still on the police force.

Dyer says it's important for his department "not to rush to judgment".  On Friday he sent out a recorded voicemail to all of his officers. "I just want them to know that regardless of the negative publicity this will bring our department, that it's important that our employees hold their head up high and recognize we have a very professional, first class organization."

The Fresno County District Attorney is reviewing the case and will decide on Monday whether to charge Cervantes and Becerra with auto theft; both Detectives were assigned to the Major Narcotics Unit.  They remain on paid administrative leave.