The City of Murphy fired a police officer Wednesday, July 29, and asked the Texas Rangers to investigate allegations of criminal misconduct against the unnamed employee.

Police Chief Jeff Gibson announced the termination in a press release the same day. The city received a report of the allegations on Friday, July 24, and placed the officer on administrative leave immediately while the department conducted its own internal investigation, according to the Murphy Monitor.

Five days later, the internal review was complete. The officer was out.

"Protecting our community and maintaining the public's trust are among our highest responsibilities," Gibson said in the release. "We take these allegations extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring they are addressed thoroughly, fairly and with full accountability."

The city said it also notified the Texas Rangers on July 24 and requested an independent criminal investigation, according to the Greenville Chronicle. The Rangers, a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, regularly investigate criminal allegations against law enforcement officers statewide.

The Murphy Police Department said it is fully cooperating with the Rangers and will continue assisting throughout the investigation.

What the city has not said

Neither the officer's name nor the nature of the alleged misconduct has been disclosed. The city said it will not comment on the specific allegations while the criminal investigation remains active.

The press release stated that the employment decision was based on the department's internal findings and applicable personnel policies. Any determination regarding criminal charges will be made through the criminal justice process, not by the city.

Gibson, who presented on the police department alongside City Manager Aretha Adams at the July 7 City Council work session, has not made additional public statements beyond the release.

How to follow the case

The Texas Rangers' investigation is ongoing, and no timeline for its completion has been announced. Residents can submit open records requests to the Murphy Police Department's Records Division at 206 N. Murphy Road, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department has 10 business days to respond. The police department's main line is 972-468-4200.