HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A longtime Harris County sheriff’s deputy is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly stealing millions of dollars from his side job managing private security at one of Houston’s most upscale shopping centers.
Sgt. William Vides, a 17-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested and charged with three counts of forgery and one count of felony theft. The allegations stem from his tenure as head of security operations at Highland Village Shopping Center, a luxury retail hub located in River Oaks.
During Vides’ probable cause hearing, a magistrate judge revealed disturbing details from court records:
“Highland Village management alleges you used forged checks from several different witnesses and complainants to embezzle money in the millions of dollars.”
The alleged fraud occurred between 2021 and 2023, while Vides oversaw security for the shopping center. Court documents indicate that he submitted forged checks, falsified overtime hours, and diverted funds into personal accounts—amounting to over $4 million in stolen money.
Still on Payroll, Despite Charges
Despite the charges, Sgt. Vides told the court that he is still employed by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. However, an HCSO spokesperson confirmed that he was relieved of duty in December 2024—months after a civil lawsuit was filed against him by Highland Village in Fort Bend County.
That lawsuit accuses Vides of:
Logging more overtime hours than physically possible
Forging multiple checks linked to the Highland Village operation
Misappropriating funds for personal enrichment, including real estate investments
