Related Federal Cases
- Julio Baquero Sentenced to 18 Months for Capitol Riot, Florida, 2024 · Washington
- Gary City Government, Racial Job Bias, Gary IN, 2023 · Florida
- Paul Tillis, Inmate Assault, Florida, 2005 · Wisconsin
- David Chiverton, Municipal Corruption Conspiracy, Florida 2024 · Washington
- Luis Santiago, Bribery and Extortion, Florida 2024 · Washington
Tampa Detective Pleads Guilty to Stolen Government Property
Tampa, FL – In a shocking turn of events, former Tampa Police Detective Eric Houston has pleaded guilty to receipt of stolen government property. The 56-year-old Riverview resident faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, while working as a detective with the Tampa Police Department, Houston allowed a co-conspirator, Rita Girven, to pay off more than $5,000 in credit card debt that he and his wife, LaJoyce Houston, had accrued on their Home Depot credit card, knowing that the payoff funds had been obtained from fraudulent federal income tax refunds.
Houston’s actions have sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the law and the consequences of violating it.
Rita Girven, a co-conspirator in the case, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. On March 16, 2015, she was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.
LaJoyce Houston’s case is pending trial for her alleged role in the conspiracy. Investigators have been working tirelessly to unravel the complex web of deceit and corruption that led to Houston’s guilty plea.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mandy Riedel and Megan Kistler.
As the investigation continues, Grimy Times will provide updates on this developing story. Stay tuned for more information on this shocking case of public corruption.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Public CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic Corruption