HOUSTON (AP) -- Two police officers have been charged with accepting bribes and allowing cocaine to be smuggled and distributed in the Houston area.
Federal prosecutors on Monday announced the arrest of Houston police Officer Emerson Canizales of Kingwood and Officer Michael Miceli of Humble.
Both face court appearances on charges of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and accepting bribes for protection services.
The indictment was returned last Wednesday. Canizales and Miceli were arrested Sunday as they reported for duty.
Investigators say the 26-year-old officers in late December conspired to possess cocaine and received $1,000 payments for providing protection.
Police Chief Charles A. McClelland Jr. says the officers were relieved of duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
