DENTON COUNTY, Texas — Two Denton County officers were placed on leave after they were accused of abusing their positions and misusing official information, officials say.
Blake Harding, an officer with the Oak Point Police Department, and Sean Gabriel, an officer with the Hickory Creek Police Department, were both indicted Sept. 27 on the same complaints – misuse of official information and abuse of official capacity, court records show.
The Hickory Creek Police Department said Gabriel voluntarily surrendered following the indictment and was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation.
“The alleged actions of Officer Gabriel do not reflect the values, ethics, or character of the Hickory Creek Police Department,” the department said in a statement. “We hold all our employees to the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and any behavior falling short of those standards will not be tolerated.”
The Hickory Creek Police Department said the Texas Rangers are investigating.
The Oak Point Police Department confirmed that they’re aware of the allegations against Harding, that they’re investigating, and that Harding was placed on administrative leave.
The Oak Point Police Department declined to comment further, citing “pending matters.”
Both Gabriel and Harding were released from the Denton County Jail on personal recognizance bonds, records show.
Misuse of official information is a third-degree felony and abuse of official capacity is a Class A misdemeanor.
No additional information was immediately available.
