The City of Commerce announced Tuesday, November 25, that Officer William Rhode has been terminated following an internal administrative investigation that found he violated department policies during his probationary period as a new officer.
City officials emphasized that the administrative review was not a criminal investigation and follows a separate set of rules and procedures. Because of the findings, the case has now been referred for a criminal investigation and reported to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). The City said it will not provide additional comments until that investigation is complete.
The action comes after an online watchdog group publicly questioned the City of Commerce about its hiring practices, prompting further review. City Manager Darian Cawthon issued a statement earlier this month outlining the City’s stance on the situation, though officials declined to go into additional detail.
No further information has been released at this time.
