JPD, sheriff’s office spar over e-mail allegations

“Some things a man just can’t run from.” – John Wayne

Jacksonville Police Chief Reece Daniel closes his e-mails with a John Wayne quote about standing firm. The 30-plus-year police veteran is embroiled in a show-down with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office regarding an anonymous e-mail he attributes to chief detective Capt. Chris White.

The e-mail originating from “cowboycop4u” alleged that Chief Daniel is being forced to resign due to a lawsuit settlement involving the sexual harassment of five women.”

Chief Daniel said the allegation is false. “I felt it was important to protect my reputation from false, malicious and untrue information being disseminated by another law enforcement officer.”

Chief Daniel said that Capt. White allegedly sent the anonymous e-mail in retaliation “for me refusing to accept a case that originated in Cherokee County that he wanted my detectives to investigate.”

Chief Daniel said in a widely distributed press release that, “No member of this department will be allowed to become involved in any criminal investigation or enforcement action with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department so long as Chris White is an employee there because the civil liability for the Jacksonville Department is too great to take that chance.”

Chief Daniel called for Capt. White to be fired.

Cherokee County Sheriff James Campbell was unavailable for comment. A spokesman at his office said that Mr. White is still employed, but is taking a few days of personal time off.

Jacksonville Mayor Robert Haberle confirmed Tuesday that an out-of-court settlement with a female city employee had been negotiated.

The Cherokeean Herald later learned that the employee is no longer employed by the city and has taken a law enforcement position nearby.

“As a matter of course, I as mayor and the city council were made aware of the allegation. There was no formal suit or hearing. It was an out-of-court settlement, the terms are confidential,” he said.

The mayor declined to say whether money was exchanged in the settlement. It was a confidential agreement that was handled between the attorneys and City Manager Mo Raissi.

“I continue to have full confidence in the leadership in the JPD and in the ability of city manager Mo Raissi to lead the city of Jacksonville,” Mayor Haberle said.

City Attorney Joe Angle spoke with the Cherokeean Herald Tuesday confirming that a “decision was made to settle with a person in order to resolve the situation.”

Regarding the ensuing squabble between Chief Daniel and the sheriff’s department, Mr. Angle said, “The issue between White and Daniel is a personal course of action, and the city is not a party to that.”

Chief Daniel’s statement regarding an unwillingness to work with the sheriff ’s department on criminal matters has some wondering what it means to long-standing cooperation between the departments.

“Will JPD respond to a call for assistance to the sheriff’s office if it is just outside the city limits,” an unnamed law enforcement source asked.

Capt. White did not return a phone call by the Cherokeean Herald’s deadline.

Chief Daniel’s official press release implies that future lawsuits may be filed. “I wish to state plainly that I have never been sued for sexual harassment. I have never been a party to any settlement that might require my resignation.”

He said he would not respond to additional questions because he does not want to prejudice any potential lawsuits that Mr. White might file.

In an interview with a Tyler newspaper, Chief Daniel said he plans to file a complaint with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and is being advised by a civil attorney.

A law enforcement officer who asked to remain anonymous said Tuesday morning, “Jacksonville has a nice jail. However, the city can only house Class C misdemeanor prisoners.

“(Those cases include) traffic violations and public intoxication. Other prisoners must be taken to the county jail at Rusk.”

Chief Daniel has worked at JPD since August 2006.

Statement made by Sheriff James Campbell on Dec. 16, 2009

"As for recent reports of an email regarding alleged claims of sexual harassment by 

Chief Daniel, the Sheriff has no personal knowledge whether such claims were made. 

Although, according to City Attorney Joe Angle, accusations against Chief Daniel were 

made by one female city employee and were settled. 

"A public employee, such as Captain White,  has a First Amendment right to speak 

out as a citizen on matters of public concern. Additionally, Captain White has, as any 

citizen, protection as a “whistle blower” under state and federal law. 

"As we have always done, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work 

with the City of Jacksonville to insure that the citizens of Cherokee County are protected 

by law enforcement." 

Robert Gonzalez, Gloria Jennings and Terrie Gonzalez are contributors.