An off duty patrol officer from the Chula Vista Police Department was arrested early this morning for a gaming violation at Sycuan Casino.
Jesus Salazar, 30, was charged with a misdemeanor violation while playing a card game for allegedly using a technique called “capping,” a method of illegally adding more chips to a bet that had already been won.
During an 11 a.m. press conference, Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejarano said the incident is unfortunate.
“We’re disturbed and disappointed by his arrest,” he said.
Prior to his arrest today, Salazar was under investigation for a DUI stemming from an April 9 arrest by Sycuan Tribal Police.
Salazar has been on the force nine years.
Bejarano said the gambling arrest is a serious allegation and if found guilty he will be stripped of his peace officer powers, including the loss of his gun and badge.
Bejarano said Salazar will soon be placed on unpaid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an internal affairs unit investigation.
“We will not tolerate that type of criminal misconduct,” Bejarano said.
If found guilty, Salazar could face up to one year in county jail and pay up to a $10,000 fine, Bejarano said.
Salazar was booked into San Diego County Central Jail around 5:10 this morning and is being held on $10,000 bail.
A criminal investigation is being handled by Sycuan.
Based on information provided by the Chula Vista police department, a previous version of this story stated Salazar was recently assigned to patrol. Salazar has actually been a patrol officer during his entire tenure.
