Erick French Convicted of Lying to FBI About Leak

A federal jury in Austin convicted 24-year-old Erick French, a former Temple police officer, of lying to FBI agents about leaking details of an ongoing investigation. The verdict, delivered this afternoon, marks a sharp fall from grace for the Copperas Cove, TX, resident, who once wore a badge but now faces federal prison time for compromising law enforcement integrity.

Jurors found French guilty of one count of making a false statement to federal authorities during a March 21, 2016, interview. According to trial evidence, French sent a text message alerting an individual that the Temple Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit was actively probing them. When confronted by FBI agents, he lied to cover his tracks—betraying both protocol and public trust.

The jury acquitted French on a second count alleging he made false statements during an earlier FBI interview on March 16, 2016. But the single conviction stands as a damning indictment of his actions. Federal prosecutors argued he deliberately interfered with a sensitive probe, undermining the work of multiple agencies.

French now faces up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. He remains free on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for January 20, 2017, before United States District Judge Sam Sparks in Austin.

The case was jointly investigated by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Temple Police Department—a rare collaboration that underscores the severity of the breach. Law enforcement insiders say leaks like this endanger operations, tip off suspects, and put agents at risk.

Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Guess and Matt Harding prosecuted the case for the government. United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Combs, San Antonio Division, confirmed the outcome, sending a clear message: those who wear the badge carry a higher burden—and will be held to it.