You may remember that former detective Ryan Chandler was part of a massive internal affairs investigation into HPD's homicide division earlier this year. Even though police Chief Charles McClleland at that time called him a liar, he was never charged with a crime.
Thursday, district attorney candidate Kim Ogg put the blame of Chandler not facing charges squarely at the feet of current District Attorney Devon Anderson. Ogg produced more than 100 pages of documents. They include email exchanges between Chandler and his now-wife, a prosecutor in the office. Ogg says Anderson should have immediately appointed a special prosecutor.
"She could have easily asked the judge, whoever that is, to appoint a local attorney. There are hundreds of local attorneys who do that part time," said Odd.
Anderson released a statement saying they did everything by the book.
"HPD and this office worked to uncover Sergeant Chandler's wrongdoing, sought the appointment of a special prosecutor, and notified HPD Chief McClelland of our office's recusal," read a portion of the statement.
In the meantime, because he wasn't charged with a crime, Officer Chandler is currently in arbitration and trying to get his job back. That hearing continues in two weeks.
DA Devon Anderson's full statement:
- "Ms. Ogg, once again, follows her predictable pattern of behavior: shoot first, think later. She demonstrates little command of the facts or even proper protocol for prosecutors. This is not behavior the voters want in a District Attorney.
"The saga of Houston Police Department (HPD) Homicide Sergeant Ryan Chandler is unfortunate. His conduct has jeopardized a number of murder investigations. Our office has worked swiftly to control the damage done by Sergeant Chandler, seek justice for the victims and afford the accused with the protections guaranteed by law.
"Sergeant Chandler's activities have undergone the scrutiny of HPD Internal Affairs Division, and an investigation by a Special Prosecutor appointed by the Administrative Judge of the Harris County Criminal District Courts.
"HPD and this office worked to uncover Sergeant Chandler's wrongdoing, sought the appointment of a special prosecutor, and notified HPD Chief McClelland of our office's recusal.
"The actions of a bad cop not only undermine public confidence, but they have repercussions to numerous criminal prosecutions.
"Our office has handled this matter by-the-book. Everything has been done aboveboard and in as transparent a fashion as the law allows.
"If Ms. Ogg aspires to gain the public trust or ever hold elective office, she should work a little harder and study the facts a little longer before she attempts to sensationalize an important and delicate legal matter."