An Edinburg police officer accused of trying to kiss an 18-year-old teen during a traffic stop is now facing criminal charges.
Texas Rangers arrested an Officer Cesar Gabriel on an official oppression charge Tuesday after a joint investigation by Edinburg Police Department Internal Affairs Unit and Texas Rangers was launched.
A source close to the case told Action 4 News an 18-year-old woman came forward over the weekend claiming Officer Gabriel stopped her on Sunday for driving without headlights.
The 18-year-old also alleges Officer Gabriel offered to give her a warning instead of a ticket if she followed him to a secluded parking lot.
The officer allegedly got into her car and tried to kiss her.
On Tuesday, Texas Rangers booked Officer Gabriel on official oppression charge with holds a $5,000 bond.
Officer Gabriel who has worked for Edinburg Police for several years remains suspended without pay.
Authorities are not commenting on whether he will be terminated.
“The Edinburg Police Department prides itself with honesty, loyalty and integrity and serving the community on a professional level," Chief Castañeda said on Monday. “Therefore, any type of misconduct by officers or staff cannot and will not be tolerated."
The investigation is still ongoing in this case.
Under Texas state law, official oppression is a Class A misdemeanor punishable up to one year in jail and a $4,000 dollar fine.
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