SJ cop accused of giving intel to gangs

Matt Keller Image
ByMatt Keller KGO logo
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
San Jose police officer accused of giving intel to gangs
A San Jose police officer is accused of providing intel to gang members. It's part of a bigger sweep they're calling "Operation Gang of Thrones."

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A San Jose police officer is accused of providing intel to gang members. It's part of a bigger sweep they're calling "Operation Gang of Thrones."

RELATED: SJPD cop swept up in 'Operation Gang of Thrones' arrests

San Jose's police chief, and representatives from the FBI and DEA held a press conference this afternoon. It's another hit for a department that is already struggling with low morale.

This investigation started in March of this year. Police initiated a major investigation into a Vietnamese street gang. They called it "Operation Gang of Thrones." Investigators say this gang is believed to be involved in numerous crimes including assault, extortion, drugs, gambling and public corruption. Multiple arrest and search warrants were served at homes, businesses and Vietnamese cafes Tuesday, including for a 9-and-a half year veteran of the San Jose Police Department. He's accused of sharing sensitive information with gang members. The officer has been identified by San Jose Mercury News sources as Derrick Antonio.

RELATED: Police union asks SJ to declare state of emergency

"I'm confident that this department did everything it needed to do when it discovered the first indication that there was a police officer who was involved in this crime. Did everything they could do to ensure that he was immediately taken off the force and now prosecuted," said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.

Mayor Liccardo said he still believes San Jose has the best police department in the country, just not enough officers.

Antonio was booked into the Santa Clara County jail on five felony counts of unauthorized computer access and one felony count of accessory after the fact. He is now out of custody according to jail records.

Click here for more stories about the San Jose Police Department.