Cedar Park Police Quote Latin Classic Writer In Virtual Wanted Poster

CEDAR PARK, TX — One doesn't normally associate police departments with quoting Latin writers. But then again, the Cedar Park Police Department's Facebook page is known for throwing a curve ball, the administrator often employing obscure references or wordplay in making announcements.

"The Latin writer Publilius Syrus wrote that, 'a good reputation is worth more than money,' " a recent Facebook post asking for the public's help in finding a suspect, reads. "This woman now has neither."

The post is accompanied by surveillance images from an ATM machine of a suspect making a cash withdrawal with a driver's check and license stolen from a vehicle. The department asks for anyone who has information about the suspect to call Detective Randall Pitts at (512) 260-4842 or via email at randall.pitts@cedarparktexas.gov.

Those with tips also can send them to via text to CCPD and the tip to 847411.

Publilius Syrus (85–43 BC), was a Latin writer, best known for his sententiae, who was Syrian brought as a slave to Italy. But it is said that by wit and talent, he was able to find favor with his master, who freed and educated him. All that remains of his body of work is a collection of Sententiae, a series of moral maxims in iambic and trochaic verse.

Publilius quotes: For the Cedar Park Police Department, they're the gift that keeps on giving. Honesta fama melior pecunia est, indeed.

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