San Jose Officers Arrested for Evidence Tampering
Two San Jose police officers face felony charges for allegedly planting drugs to replace missing evidence.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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San Jose police officers Raydarius Surry and Destiney Thompson were arrested for allegedly tampering with evidence and filing false reports. The pair reportedly conspired to replace missing drug evidence from a previous case with items confiscated from a pedestrian stop.
Why it matters
The case raises significant concerns regarding police integrity and the potential compromise of prior criminal investigations. Authorities are now reviewing the conduct of these officers to determine the impact on their past cases and professional standing.
Officer Raydarius Surry and Officer Destiney Thompson each face one felony count of altering or planting evidence and one felony count of filing a false report. Both officers were released on $100,000 bail and are currently facing a state commission review of their law enforcement licenses.
The players
Raydarius Surry
He is a 29-year-old police officer employed by the San Jose Police Department.
Destiney Thompson
She is a 30-year-old police officer currently under investigation for her involvement in evidence tampering.
Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training
This state-level commission is responsible for setting professional standards and licensing for police officers.
The details
Surry allegedly sought to cover up missing evidence from a May 2026 arrest by planting drugs seized during an August pedestrian stop. Investigators claim Thompson assisted the cover-up by reviewing body-camera footage to ensure the replacement evidence matched the requirements of the initial case.
Timeline
May 3, 2026: Surry arrests a suspect for alleged crystal methamphetamine possession.
August 2026: The police department notifies Surry that evidence from the previous arrest is missing.
August 13, 2026: Surry confiscates drugs during a pedestrian stop to replace the missing items.
September 2026: The officers are placed on paid administrative leave.
October 28, 2026: Surry and Thompson are arrested.
Legal Context
The charges against these officers are grounded in the California Penal Code provisions regarding the integrity of evidence and police reporting. This prosecution reflects a broader trend of increased accountability for law enforcement officials across the state regarding procedural misconduct.
The arrests have led to an internal review that may trigger safety advisories or procedural changes for ongoing criminal cases handled by these officers. Residents can expect further updates as the investigation into the department's evidence-handling protocols continues.
The takeaway
Maintaining the chain of custody for evidence is a fundamental requirement for the validity of any criminal prosecution. Officers found to have compromised this process face severe legal consequences that can undermine years of investigative work.
Further reading
For additional context on local oversight and recent police proceedings, visit the Law Enforcement section.
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