CEDAR HILL, Texas — A former Cedar Hill police officer has been arrested on a charge of official oppression over "alleged misconduct" with a woman who was being arrested in a drunk driving incident, officials said.
The former officer Donald Mercer has turned himself into the Ellis County Jail, according to a news release from Cedar Hill police Monday.
Mercer resigned from the Cedar Hill Police Department earlier this year after the city received a complaint related to the woman's arrest in August. Mercer resigned "rather than face termination proceedings," police said in a release.
Details about the allegations against Mercer have not been released. However, police officials said an internal investigation sustained four policy violations against Mercer, including dereliction of duty and conduct unbecoming an officer.
The complaint was made against Mercer while he was under investigation for a separate incident, police said.
The complaint arose when the allegations were "uncovered during the interview process," Chief Ely Reyes said.
“We want to be clear that we hold our officers and department to a high standard of public service and professional conduct that is appropriate, honorable, and ethical,” Reyes said in a statement. “Maintaining the public’s trust and respect is of the utmost importance, as is being publicly transparent to the full extent possible without compromising any ongoing investigations or legal processes.”
An attorney representing Mercer, Robert Huseman of Varghese Summersett, in a statement said that they're conducting their own investigation and asked people not to "rush to judgment."
"It’s very early in the process. We are currently conducting our own, thorough investigation into the allegations. Until then, we would ask the public not to rush to judgment. Officer Mercer served this community and has devoted his life to helping others," said Huseman.
