Former Wichita Falls Detective Arrested on Felony Charges

A detective who is no longer with the Wichita Falls Police Department has been issued an arrest warrant.

Back in March of this year, an internal investigation began into some affidavits that were turned into the Wichita Falls Justice of the Peace. An affidavit is a sworn, written statement of facts used to establish probable cause for an arrest or search warrant, or to report a crime such as fraud or forgery. Looks like this detective might have not been telling the truth in what he put in writing.

During a review, the department flagged the affidavits. The person or persons who had warrants come from these affidavits were dismissed. The criminal investigation determined there was probable cause to believe that the former detective knowingly submitted affidavits containing false information to a magistrate. Which is a felony that a detective can be charged with, this detective allegedly had two false affidavits they submitted.

Interim Wichita Falls Police Chief Comments on Former Detective

Photo of Interim Chief Mitch Bates from City of Wichita Falls

"We are shocked by the alleged actions of a former member of this department. The integrity of the criminal justice process depends on the accuracy and truthfulness of information presented to the courts," said Interim Chief Mitch Bates. "When concerns were identified by members of our Department, we acted immediately to dismiss the warrants obtained, initiated an internal investigation led by our talented team, and followed the facts. This is what our community expects and deserves. Our responsibility is to address misconduct transparently and hold individuals accountable for their actions."

The detective resigned when the investigation began according to the Wichita Falls Police Department, you can read their full statement here.