Former North Texas cop faces charges over alleged misconduct with woman during DWI arrest
A former North Texas police officer faces criminal charges after alleged misconduct with a woman he was arresting in a DWI case, authorities said.
Former officer Donald Mercer, 33, has been charged with official oppression, according to a news release from the Cedar Hill Police Department.
Mercer turned himself in to the Ellis County Jail on Monday, Dec. 16.
He was under investigation for a separate incident when the city received a complaint related to the August DWI arrest, the release stated.
“The Cedar Hill Police Department prides itself on a culture of accountability,” said Cedar Hill Chief of Police Ely Reyes. “In the initial case, the victim did not bring the complaint, but the conduct was uncovered during the interview process, which prompted CHPD officers to investigate proactively. We empower our people to report misconduct when they see it and that is exactly what happened in this case.”
Mercer resigned from the Cedar Hill Police Department four days after the complaint “rather than face termination proceedings,” officials said in the release.
“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. “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.”
Mercer is being represented by defense attorney Robert Huseman.
“It’s very early in the process. We are currently conducting our own, thorough investigation into the allegations,” Huseman said in a statement. “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.”