Emerson Canizales, Michael Miceli, Conspiracy to Protect Cocaine, Texas 2013

HOUSTON, Texas – Two former peace officers with the Houston Police Department (HPD) have been convicted of conspiracy to violate the Hobbs Act, also known as extortion under color of official right.

Emerson Canizales, 27, of Kingwood, and Michael Miceli, 27, of Humble, were arrested in January 2013 and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller.

According to court documents, Canizales and Miceli agreed to accept money in exchange for providing protection for a vehicle they believed contained cocaine.

A joint agency task force learned the officers were involved in criminal conduct which may involve narcotics and illegal bribes.

As part of the investigation, a confidential source approached Canizales and Miceli and asked if they would assist with the protection of a vehicle that was coming through Houston. They agreed. On Dec. 26, 2012, Miceli and Canizales arrive in a marked patrol car in their official uniforms and followed the source, who was driving a tow truck pulling the vehicle containing the cocaine.

Canizales admitted as part of his plea that he was given $1000 while Miceli was waiting in the patrol car. Miceli acknowledged he received $500 from Canizales after the escort. Both men have also admitted they believed the vehicle contained narcotics though they did not know the type or quantity.

Judge Miller has set sentencing for September 27, 2013, at which time both men face up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine. They were permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

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