Texas police chief investigated for improper contact with girl, 14
ELLIS COUNTY, Texas -- A North Texas police chief has been put on administrative leave while investigators look into his contact and interactions with an underage girl, according to CBS affiliate CBSDFW.
Maypearl Police Chief Kevin Coffey is being investigated for five separate allegations involving the child. They include official oppression, misuse of official information, online solicitation of a minor, stalking and harassment and tampering with evidence.
Parents of the now 16-year-old girl say Coffey made contact with teen by cell phone and in person for more than two years. When interviewed the girl said Coffey first contacted her on Facebook when she was 14-years-old, reports the station.
During one of their in-person meetings, the teen says Coffey invited her to City Hall, allowed her in his office, and allowed her to view police files, citations, and dash-cam video of officer's traffic stops.
The girl also said Coffey sent her Snapchat photos of him holding handcuffs with the caption, "One of the days... hahaha."
According to the station, forensic examiners looked at two cell phones retrieved from the teen and found Facebook Messenger between the two. Their notes say some of Coffey's messages were of a "possible sexual nature."
The girl further alleged that when Coffey wanted to see her he would flash the lights of his Maypearl patrol car at her window, at night, to get her to come outside, says the station. The girl claims that not only does Coffey wait outside her house, for her to leave, so he can pull her over, but that he is currently having interactions with five other juvenile females.
As part of the investigation search warrants were executed on July 11, at the Maypearl Police Station and Chief Coffey's personal apartment in Grandview, according to the station. Investigators seized computers, cell phones, and thumb drives from the locations.
At a city council meeting Monday night, several residents blamed the mayor for putting him in office.
"Best thing for her (the Mayor) to do is step down," said one man.
The Texas Rangers, Texas Attorney General's Office Child Exploitation Unit and Ellis County District Attorney's Office are all assisting the Ellis County Sheriff's Office with the investigation into Coffey, reports the station.