Lamar CISD reinstates police chief and lieutenant weeks after firing them

Just weeks after firing its police chief and a lieutenant for what their attorneys called "conduct unbecoming of an officer," Lamar Consolidated ISD has reinstated both employees following appeals.

The decision marks a dramatic reversal in an investigation the district has kept out of public view.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Lamar CISD police chief, lieutenant fired amid investigation involving 'embarrassing facts'

Chief Henry Garcia was reinstated in early June, according to a letter from the district stating that his prior disciplinary action had been withdrawn and that his employment was "in good standing."

Despite being reinstated, Garcia's attorney, Larry McDougal, Jr., said his client has decided not to renew his contract, which expires June 30.

"When these allegations came about and the public scrutiny that came towards him, it was best for him and his family to move on," McDougal said.

Garcia and Lt. Maria Molina were placed on administrative leave in February while the district investigated allegations involving the two officers.

Garcia hired Molina after both had previously worked together at the Stafford Police Department. She was promoted to lieutenant last August.

Although Lamar CISD has never publicly disclosed the allegations, Molina's attorney, Matthew Banister, said the accusations centered on alleged inappropriate conduct.

Asked whether the incident involved anything sexual, Banister said it did not.

"I know that was the implication, and it gives the wrong impression," he said. "It was not sexual in nature."

Lamar CISD has challenged ABC13's requests for records related to the investigation, arguing to the Texas Attorney General that the case involves potentially "highly intimate or embarrassing facts" that are not matters of public concern.

Both attorneys contend the district failed to follow its own procedures before terminating their clients and say the investigation ultimately did not support the allegations.

Banister said Molina's reinstatement restores her reputation, although she does not plan to return to work for the district.

"She was innocent the entire time, and it just took us going through the process," he said.

McDougal also said Garcia's name has been cleared.

"He wants the public to know that there was nothing that happened and it was unfounded," McDougal said.

The executive director of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) said due process is especially important for police officers because disciplinary records can affect future employment.

"There is a permanent record that this matter occurred, and that record is uploaded to TCOLE when the officer changes departments," Robert Leonard said.

According to their attorneys, both Garcia and Molina are seeking employment with other law enforcement agencies despite their reinstatements.

Lamar CISD did not respond to requests for comment. The district's website still includes a job posting for police chief that was first posted May 21, before Garcia was reinstated.