It's Sullivan City police chief Jose Anaya's first week on the job in a city where it's a constant battle to stop drug runners from getting through the city, and there's a lot to prove.
A local drug runner said Anaya's intentions might be good, but it's only a matter of time until drug cartels get a hold of him.
Drug runner "Juan" said the quick cash lured him into this business.
He said just for smuggling drugs from the border into town gets him about 1,500 dollars, and he claims police on the border are lured into it the same way.
"The cartels give them money and then the police work for them," said "Juan."
"Juan" said former Sullivan City Police Chief Hernan Guerra, Jr. is proof of that.
He's currently serving 10 years in prison for helping Mexican drug cartels smuggle drugs.
"The drug smugglers started hanging out with the chief. They would send him things and invite him to parties and finally got him involved in the business," said "Juan.”
"Juan" said he wouldn't be surprised if those same drug cartels try to lure in the new Sullivan City Chief Jose Anaya.
"It's going to happen because they don't seek it. The cartels seek the chiefs out, and they won't ask him to get involved…they'll tell him," said "Juan."
Chief Anaya knows there's a target on his back.
"There's a target on everyone in law enforcement. We got a big bull’s-eye just because we wear police on our chest," said Anaya.
He said there's no need for residents to be concerned.
"I want to reassure the citizens that we're going to do our best with what we got," he said.
He's trying hard to gain the community's trust by going around town speaking to business owners and residents.
"Most of the time people say,' oh police are crooked this or that,' but it's just an image because of a couple of bad apples," said Chief Anaya.
But critics like "Juan" said only time will tell.
The business owners did tell Action 4 News that it is a good sign that Anaya is showing an interest in the community.
Chief Anaya said he'll continue to communicate and build trust with the community.
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