SAN ANTONIO – Former officers Alejandro Chapa and Emmanuel Galindo, who were accused of luring women into participating in what was a fake undercover operation in exchange for money and other considerations, were found guilty on the charges brought against them.
During closing arguments in the trial of the two former San Antonio police officers, defense attorneys echoed a familiar argument.
At the outset of the trial on Tuesday, defense attorneys told the jury that their clients did nothing illegal. They said their actions were perhaps immoral, but not illegal. That was the same argument they used during closing arguments on Friday.
The women testified that their participation included having sex with the officers.
During closing arguments Friday morning, defense attorney Leigh Cutter told the jury, “Not one person got up there and said, ‘He threatened to take or withhold action, as a cop, to force me to have sex with him.’”
Prosecutors countered that the promise of cash and considerations in other areas constituted promotion of prostitution.
That was among three charges the two faced. The others were sexual assault and official oppression.
“These two are criminals, what they’ve done was illegal,” prosecutor Ryan Wright told the jury.
“They were tricked into thinking, ‘If I have sex, I’ll get money,” prosecutor David Lunan said.
The officers face a punishment of 2-20 years in prison. The punishment phase of the trial is scheduled for Monday morning in the 187th District Court.
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