An officer from the Houston Police Department, Keith E. Roy Jr., is back patrolling the streets after being temporarily benched due to an internal investigation. Roy faced scrutiny following a damning revelation that tied his phone number to a suspected member of an auto theft ring. As reported by KTRK, he's returned to duty post a 16-day suspension for his alleged misconduct.

According to details unearthed by KPRC 2, the investigation into Roy began last August when authorities found texts on a suspect's phone after he had been nabbed on traffic warrants. The texts suggested that Roy shared registered vehicle information accessed from official databases. While on patrol, sent from a computer mounted inside a Houston PD cruiser, the suspect is suspected to have received the information, which violates department policy.

The HPD kept details close to the vest but confirmed through a sworn affidavit that Roy had indeed crossed the line. "The investigation revealed that Officer Roy shared personally identifiable information with unauthorized individuals," stated the suspension letter signed by Chief Troy Finner and obtained by KTRK. Having received a 16-day suspension which started on January 24 and ended on February 8, Roy utilized personal time off for half the duration, in line with a recent labor agreement.

While the optics might suggest a severe breach, no criminal charges have been filed against Roy. His return to duty seemingly aligns with former HPD officer-turned-attorney Tom Nixon's analysis. "Is it something you can be fired for? Yes," Nixon told KTRK. "But is it also something that you can be suspended for? absolutely." Nixon, who has no stake in the case, hinted that Roy's actions might not have been a recurring issue, which often results in a more lenient disciplinary action such as suspension over termination.