VON ORMY, Texas – An 11-year employee of the sheriff’s office was arrested on drug charges Monday.
Bexar County Sheriff's Office detectives say they were looking for stolen vehicles in 14000 block of I-35 S. in Von Ormy. After searching the property, investigators spotted several rows of marijuana plants being irrigated with a water hose. After following the hose, detectives went to an adjoining property at 13901 S. I-35.
At that address, investigators found Savino Gonzalez, 55, and Betty Palmer, 58. Bexar County officials say Palmer has worked in the Public Safety Communications section of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office since December of 1998.
After talking to the couple, detectives say Gonzalez admitted to growing the marijuana plants, and Palmer said she knew about it.
Investigators tallied up about 50 to 75 marijuana plants – some as tall as six feet – and seized them as evidence. Inside the home, deputies say they discovered more marijuana and a .22 caliber gun.
Palmer was charged with possession of marijuana and booked into the Bexar County Jail. She was later released on a $2,000 bond. Gonzalez was also charged with possession of marijuana and released on a $5,000 bond.
According to officials, they recovered two vehicles that had been reported stolen, a Chrysler and Saturn.
