AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A state trooper who agreed to a photo with Snoop Dogg at the South by Southwest music festival was reprimanded by his superiors, who said he shouldn’t have posed with a public figure who has a well-known criminal background.
Billy Spears was working security when the rapper asked for a picture with him. The artist posted it to Instagram, which Department of Public Safety and Transportation officials saw. Spears was cited for deficiencies that required counseling by a supervisor.
Spears’ attorney says his client wasn’t aware the rapper has been convicted several times of drug possession. Spears can’t appeal the citation, because it wasn’t a formal disciplinary action.
A department spokesman says the agency doesn’t typically discuss or release specifics of personnel issues unless they result in disciplinary action.
