A Henderson County Sheriff’s Department deputy surrendered to authorities Wednesday after a complaint from a woman who said he inappropriately touched her in the Judicial Complex Annex in Athens.
Ronald J. Henry, 62, was charged with official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor. He was released Wednesday after posting $2,000 bond.
According to Texas law, a public servant commits official oppression if he, acting under color of his office, intentionally subjects another to sexual harassment. Henry’s employment with the HCSD has been terminated, Lt. Pat McWilliams said.
“It’s a bad deal,” McWilliams said concerning Henry’s actions. “Sometimes people do stupid things and sometimes they do bad things.”
HCSD received a complaint Tuesday from a 28-year-old woman who said she had taken a friend to the adult probation office. While she was waiting in the lobby area, a uniformed male deputy approached her. The woman told authorities she went into the public restroom and when she exited, she was inappropriately touched by the deputy.
The sheriff’s department turned the case over to Texas Ranger Trace McDonald for an investigation. McDonald quickly came back with his findings, and Henry was arrested at the courthouse.
“Technically all investigations are ongoing until they go to the grand jury, but he completed the footwork,” McWilliams said.
McWilliams said the sheriff’s department does a background check on new hires and a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education certification is required for peace officers.
Henry was hired by the sheriff’s department in 2003. In 2006, he became a transport officer. Transports are made to the various courts, various doctor’s and dentist’s offices, hospitals, other jails and prisons and other locations. The county had four transport deputies prior to Henry’s dismissal.
No comments:
Post a Comment