Indictments of Three Denton Police Officers Spark Investigations and Calls for Reform
Three Denton police officers—two currently serving and one who has since left the department—have been indicted for alleged criminal conduct related to the arrest of a homeless individual, according to local authorities. The charges stem from an investigation that began in February and followed the dismissal of charges from a March 2024 arrest involving a person experiencing homelessness.
The case has raised serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement and the integrity of official procedures. Current officers Ronald Foy and William Hulslander are charged with official oppression, while Hulslander and former officer Joel Weinstein face additional charges of tampering with a governmental record. These allegations have prompted both internal and criminal investigations into the actions of the officers involved.
Affidavit Contradicted Bodycam Footage
One of the key issues in the case was the discrepancy between the probable cause affidavit submitted by Hulslander and the body-worn camera footage. According to the Denton County District Attorney's Office, the affidavit did not align with what was captured on video, suggesting potential misconduct or misrepresentation.
In addition, Foy was accused of using a chemical spray in a manner that violated department policy. Both Foy and Hulslander were placed on administrative leave immediately following the discovery of these discrepancies.
The DA’s office also raised concerns about other arrests made by Weinstein, who had already left the department before the issues came to light. This led to further scrutiny of his past actions and their potential impact on the integrity of the department.
Internal and Criminal Probes Launched
In response to the allegations, separate but concurrent investigations were launched by both the Denton Police Department's Internal Affairs division and the Major Crimes unit. These probes aimed to determine the extent of any wrongdoing and ensure accountability.
Following an internal investigation, Denton Police Chief Doug Robledo found that Foy and Hulslander had violated department policies. Foy was indefinitely suspended without pay and is appealing the decision. Hulsander accepted a 90-day unpaid suspension, which is the maximum allowed short of termination.
Foy and Hulslander, who had previously been suspended, are now facing additional unpaid suspensions under Civil Service law as their criminal cases continue to move forward.
Felony and Misdemeanor Charges Filed
The charges against the officers include official oppression, which is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Tampering with a governmental record is considered a state jail felony. According to the DA’s Office, the grand jury found that the officers intended to defraud or harm another individual through their actions.
These charges highlight the seriousness of the allegations and the potential consequences for the officers involved. The legal proceedings will likely continue as more evidence is gathered and presented in court.
Chief Pledges Accountability and Reform
Denton Police Chief Doug Robledo has publicly committed to addressing the misconduct and restoring public trust in the department. He emphasized the importance of upholding the department’s core values and ensuring that all officers adhere to the highest standards of conduct.
“When we discover we have fallen short of our core values, we commit to taking steps to restore the trust that the community has placed in us,” Robledo said in a statement.
The chief’s remarks reflect a broader commitment to transparency and reform within the Denton Police Department. As the cases progress, the community will be watching closely to see how the department responds to these allegations and what changes may be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Ongoing Updates
CBS News Texas will continue to provide updates as the cases advance and more information becomes available. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for the Denton Police Department and its relationship with the community it serves.
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