Texas Rangers ran a search warrant on Liberty County Precinct 6 Constable John Joslin’s Office Thursday morning. It is believed it was part of the continuing investigation of a former honorary deputy Michael Gelagotis. He along with Joslin and several other area law enforcement officers were honored at the Houston Rockets game on December 4, 2013. At the time, Gelagotis can be seen in the video wearing a weapon on his right hip.
On October 14, 2015 Gelagotis was arrested following a four-month investigation by the Beaumont Police Department, ATF and Beaumont ISD Police .
Gelagotis was accused of befriending individuals at law enforcement agencies throughout Southeast Texas. He also did vehicle maintenance work for Beaumont ISD and Vidor ISD. Where he worked on their police vehicles. He striped vehicles and installed and removed equipment as part of his duties.
When Gelagotis was arrested police found dozens of firearms, large amounts of ammunition, body armor and police equipment. Some of that equipment belonging to Beaumont ISD Police Department They also found a patrol unit belonging to a Beaumont Police Officer at his home. It was reported that the Beaumont Sargent lived outside the city limits and would leave his take home car at Gelagotis home. That same Sargent was indicted last month by a Jefferson County for tampering with a government document.
Gelagotis befriended Joslin who was a former Beaumont ISD officer. When Joslin took office in January 2013 Gelagotis offered his help at Joslin’s office to get his vehicles striped, and equipment installed. Gelagotis was also the person who contacted the Rockets and arranged the half time recognition event for law enforcement officers. The first in 17-years for the Rockets.
While working for Joslin, Gelagotis was issued credentials as a “EMERGENCY VEHICLE TECHNICIAN” , this was not a peace officer position but just allowed Gelagotis to purchase equipment for the vehicle and transport the vehicles for repair or equipment installs. Gelagotis then used these credentials to purchase badges, shirts, and other police equipment from various police supply stores the investigation revealed.
In November Gelagotis was indicted by a Jefferson County Grand Jury for possession of body armor by a felon.
That felony stemmed from a 2001 Ohio case in which he used the same tactics to gain confidence of officers, get issued credentials then purchase police equipment. In the Ohio case he went a step further by detaining some juveniles at a bus stop.
Many officers in East Texas were surprised at the arrest as they had been duped into believing he actually was an officer. Even business owners were amazed as they had given police discounts to Gelagotis.
The Jefferson County Public Integrity Unit is handling the investigation.
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