Anthony Police reserve officer charged with weapons smuggling

An Anthony Police Department reserve officer has been charged with weapons smuggling.

Alex Gamboa, who is also the former Precinct 6 constable, illegally exported “thirty (30) more or less, ceramic plate inserts for Level IV ballistic vests” the federal indictment states.

Gamboa was arrested on March 19 and released from the El Paso County Detention Center on March 25, according to jail records.

Gamboa was released on a $10,000 bond.

“Our agency hasn’t seen anything like this happen in over ten years and we’re proud of that,” APD police chief Carlos Enriquez said. “I want to reiterate that this incident that occurred did not happen as he was working in the capacity of the Anthony Police Department.”

The former constable was named in a 2008 lawsuit by a man and his son who claimed they were abused by one of the deputy constables while in custody.

Gamboa’s name also came up during commissioners court meetings in 2009 when the constable replacing Gamboa’s seat claimed tactical gear, including bulletproof vests, were missing from the office.

Gamboa was most recently an APD reserve officer which is a voluntary position. The job allowed for Gamboa to retain his Texas Peace Officer’s license. He was only required to work 32 hours per month.

Gamboa is also the owner of Sun City Public Safety and Supply, a tactical gear and uniform business.