Former Texas deputy accused of stealing thousands from Vietnamese businesses

A former Texas constable deputy has been arrested after he was accused of stealing thousands of dollars from multiple Vietnamese businesses while in uniform, court documents state.

Bobby Joe Espinosa, who was a constable deputy with Harris County Precinct 4, was charged with felony theft, accused of targeting businesses run by Vietnamese owners from Sept. 1 through March, according to a complaint filed in Harris County District Court.

Espinosa, 39, is accused of going into the businesses in uniform, kicking out the patrons and forcing open drawers to take money, a probable cause document seeking further detention states. He would also kick in doors to back offices and pry open slot machines for money, according to the document.

The complaint says the amount taken was $2,500 to less than $30,000. NBC affiliate KPRC of Houston reported Espinosa is alleged to have pocketed $5,700 in the raids.