Big Spring Police said late Wednesday afternoon that an officer was arrested for official oppression and indecency with a child,  Police said an investigation was done by the Texas Rangers into police detective Joel Rojo.

Rojo was indicted, according to a written statement from police.  Rojo was placed on leave in August of 2015 and remained on leave during the investigation.  Another allegation from a different victim came to the attention of police in October.  

Police said, “The Big Spring Police Department recognizes the perception that this investigation should happen quickly and swiftly, but the public is asked to have patience and assurance, that due to the nature and complexity of the allegations, an extensive investigation is required.”

A statement from police is as follows: 

On the 13th of April 2016 at approximately 11:45 A.M., Big Spring Police Department Detective Joel Rojo was arrested and charged with three (3) counts of Official Oppression a class A Misdemeanor , one (1) count of Indecency with a Child a 3rd degree Felony and one (1) count of Sexual performance by a Child a 1st degree Felony. The arrest was subsequent to criminal investigations conducted by the Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers Division at the request of Big Spring Police Chief Chad Williams that resulted in the above listed Grand Jury Indictments.

On the 20th of August 2015, during the afternoon hours, Chief Williams was contacted by an individual informing of allegations of possible misconduct by Joel Rojo. The allegations were of such a serious concern, a preliminary investigation was immediately conducted at the request of Chief Williams by his administrative staff. Chief Williams also immediately requested the assistance of DPS Texas Rangers. On the 21st of August 2015 at approximately 8:00 A.M., Chief Williams placed Joel Rojo on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative internal investigation. Also on the 21st of August 2015, Big Spring Police Department administrative staff met with the DPS Texas Rangers at which time the Big Spring Police Department provided the Rangers with all the known information, data and documents regarding this investigation. The criminal investigation was presented to the Texas Rangers for investigation, which is common practice any time criminal allegations are made regarding an employee with the police department.

The Big Spring Police Department initiated an internal administrative investigation regarding the alleged misconduct and while investigating, on the 9th of October 2015, a 2nd allegation of misconduct by Joel Rojo was made by a separate individual and in regards to a separate incident. The allegations were similar in nature to the first allegations of misconduct. Again, Chief Williams immediately notified the DPS Texas Rangers to assist with the 2nd allegation of misconduct and an additional internal administrative investigation was ordered.

During the internal administrative investigation of the 2nd allegation, the assigned investigative Lieutenant located another victim of possible misconduct. Contact was made with this subject who also alleged misconduct on behalf of Joel Rojo, and the DPS Texas Rangers were immediately notified to assist.

All of the allegations, informed Joel Rojo during the course of investigations, coerced and induced the three females at different times and locations into compromising situations. Two of the females involved were juveniles at the time of the alleged misconduct.

The internal administrative investigations have continued throughout this process while Joel Rojo has remained on administrative leave. The Big Spring Police Department recognizes the perception that this investigation should happen quickly and swiftly, but the public is asked to have patience and assurance, that due to the nature and complexity of the allegations, an extensive investigation is required to ensure that proper due process is given to all parties involved and the results will be decided upon facts.

The Big Spring Police Department is unable to comment any further on the ongoing internal administrative investigation.