Source: Recruit takes polygraph 3 times

KRQE TV

Updated: Feb 21, 2012 9:31 AM

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) — Sources say a man who failed a polygraph test was able to take it again because of his connections to Sheriff Dan Houston’s church.

Recruits get one chance to pass a lie detector test during the BCSO application process. But, last fall sources say Kyle Shenberger got three chances.

A Bernalillo county deputy spoke to KRQE News 13 with the understanding that his identity would be protected.

“They couldn't get a reading on him, they sent him away for a little bit [and] said go calm down,” said the source.

The source said Shenberger returned later that day, but they still could not get a reading on him due to him being so nervous causing him to fail the polygraph.

If a person fails the polygraph then he/she is out of the program and has no chance of becoming a deputy.

Shenberger’s father, Todd Shenberger, has connections to Sheriff Houston and sources say that could have been the reason he was able to take the test again.

“It's well known his dad is on the board of governs at [Legacy] church,” said the source. “And it's also well known that the sheriff is also a member of that church.”

The source said the Shenberger was sent to another polygrapher to take the test a second time.

“[He] was actually able to take the test and outright failed it,” said the source.

The source said most of the time when someone fails, they may be leaving something out of their background that they do not want anyone to find out.

Despite the two failed tests, Shenberger was given the test again.

“Third time he actually came to the polygrapher and was actually able to take the test and actually passed the test,” said the source.

The third time sources say Shenberger divulged something on his background sheet that he had failed to mention the first two times. Shenberger admitted to defacing a Buddhist monument.

“That's actually a hate crime, it's a federal offense,” said the source.

Shenberger was disqualified.

The source says he believes Shenberger only made it that far because of his connections.

“This is the only person we can find who actually failed the polygraph and was allowed to come back and retake the polygraph,” said the source.

Sheriff Dan Houston took some heat last year when he held a graduation ceremony for deputies at Legacy Church.

Critics said whether he meant to or nor not it seemed like he was pushing his church on his workers. Something the sheriff denied.
 

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