An arbitrator has declared that a Beaumont police officer who was suspended for having sex with prostitutes during a sting operation will be reinstated to the force.
In August 2008, the Southeast Texas Record reported that officer Keith Breiner had been part of a sting operation at local spas that police suspected were a front for prostitution. Breiner was suspended indefinitely after it was learned he engaged in sex with female employees at the spa as part of his investigation.
Breiner admitted to having sex with the women while he was undercover at the Sun Spa, and claimed his superior officers not only knew about it, but told him engaging in a sexual act was necessary to make a felony case against the spa and even gave him the money to pay the women.
The sting resulted in two arrests and the closing of two spas.
After being suspended, Breiner filed a lawsuit and got a restraining order on July 24, 2008, to stop his scheduled Aug. 1 termination.
When the department decided to suspend him indefinitely, Breiner turned to arbitration under the officers' collective bargaining agreement. The arbitrator spent about nine months on the investigation before announcing his decision on May 6.
The arbitratror ruled that Breiner should be disciplined for 90 days and cannot work another investigation involving prostitutes.
According to a May 7 press release from the Beaumont Police Department, Chief Frank Coffin does not agree with the out of town arbitrator's ruling and feels that this type of behavior violates the public trust.
"However, the labor agreement between the city of Beaumont and the Beaumont Police Officers Association requires that we will abide by an arbitrators ruling," the release states.
Breiner has indicated his desire to return to work, which the department says will happen after "all the details are worked out."
During arbitration, Breiner was represented by Mitch Adams through the Combine Law Enforcement Association of Texas.
The civil lawsuit was filed on his behalf by attorney Larry Watts.
Case No. B182-127