NEW: In November 2017, Williamson Sheriff Robert Chody swore in his newest deputy who only three days earlier quit the Austin police force to avoid a firing. An investigation found Mark Luera used a TSA badge to sneak his family and friends past security for a flight to Cancun.
Since his hiring, Luera has been a department star on "Live PD," and Chody has called him "a true leader." Chody last year changed his promotion standards for the rank of lieutenant to fit Luera's credentials.
Luera is one of at least a dozen deputies with a tarnished badge Chody has hired in the past 3 1/2 years. Others include Deputies J.J. Johnson and Zach Camden who were involved in the March 2019 death of #JavierAmbler.
The department says they hire deputies based on a review of their life histories including "the pluses and minuses." Critics believe the role of "Live PD" influenced hiring in some instances.
This is our latest reporting that began in June with Ambler’s death. Read via @statesman: statesman.com/news/20200813/… and arch @KVUE at 6 and 10. kvue.com/mobile/article…
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