Rangers: We are not investigating
Published 8:40 am Thursday, February 8, 2018
By Ken Stickney
Maybe it’s a matter of perception.
Or maybe it’s a matter of timing.
But a spokeswoman for the Texas Rangers insisted late Tuesday there is no current investigation of a continuing imbroglio involving Port Arthur Police Chief Patrick Melvin and the city’s Police Association — even as the police chief insists there is one.
The initial dispute arose over a suggestion that Port Arthur Sgt. Chris Billiot told the Police Association’s executive board in a Jan. 18 meeting that, “Chief is bleeding and we should step on his neck and cut his head off.”
An association spokesman said later no direct threat was made or intended toward the chief.
But days later, Patrick met with two city lawyers and the city manager to request that the Texas Rangers investigate those words attributed to Billiot, suggesting they posed a physical threat to the chief and his family.
The Port Arthur News learned about the perceived threat and Melvin’s response when City Council member Willie “Bae” Lewis brought to the newspaper a copy of the written communication from Melvin to city officials detailing the complaint and his request.
Melvin and his supporters have ratcheted up the pressure since then.
Last week, members of the chief’s civilian advisory board rallied in front of the Port Arthur Police Station, calling for Billiot’s resignation, insisting the words were particularly insensitive to African Americans and lamenting that Billiot has not apologized.
On Tuesday, Melvin said he spoke with Texas Rangers investigators over the phone last week and in his office this week. He said after the criminal investigation of the purported remarks ends, there would be an administrative review.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Stephanie Davis, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, said Tuesday in response to a Feb. 1 emailed inquiry from the Port Arthur News, “An investigation is not being conducted at this time.”
Asked about that statement Tuesday, Melvin called it “bad information” and confirmed his two earlier conversations with investigators.
Davis was informed by email about Melvin confirming an investigation and asked to clear up the confusion. At 7:51 p.m. Tuesday she responded simply, “The Rangers are aware of the allegations, but there is not an investigation into this matter at this time.”
