CLAY COUNTY, Texas — A former Clay County Sheriff's Office deputy and detention officer has been arrested following a criminal investigation conducted by the DPS Texas Rangers.
Clay County Sheriff Sidney K. Horton announced that the former deputy was taken into custody on June 18, 2026, and booked into the Archer County Jail in Archer City, TX (south of Wichita Falls).
According to Horton, the former deputy faces two counts of Civil Rights Violation of a Person in Custody involving Improper Sexual Activity and one count of Solicitation of Prostitution.
The former deputy was identified as 30-year-old Levi James Hedrick. His bond was set at $140,000. He posted bail and was released the same day.
The sheriff said the investigation began in May 2026 when the Clay County Sheriff's Office initiated an administrative review involving the employee.
During that review, investigators uncovered information that raised potential criminal concerns. To avoid any conflict of interest, the allegations were immediately referred to the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers Division for an independent investigation.
The deputy was terminated in May following the findings of the administrative investigation, according to the sheriff's office.
In a public statement, Sheriff Horton said the allegations are deeply concerning and inconsistent with the standards expected of law enforcement personnel.
"The Clay County Sheriff's Office is deeply troubled by these charges," Horton said. "Allegations of this nature are serious and do not reflect the standards, integrity, or professionalism expected of this office."
Horton added that misconduct by law enforcement officers damages public trust and the relationship between officers and the communities they serve.
The sheriff's office emphasized its commitment to accountability, transparency, and maintaining public confidence in the agency.
Because the criminal investigation remains active and is being handled by the Texas Rangers, the Clay County Sheriff's Office said it will not release additional information at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing.
