Polk County Sheriff's Office TX, Sheriff Byron Lyons - On April 12, 2021 the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint in reference to possible improper conduct involving Detective Austin McCracken following a traffic stop. The complaint stated McCracken had sent unsolicited private social media messages to the female subject shortly after the traffic stop. Feeling uncomfortable regarding the nature of the communications, the female subject reported the matter to law enforcement and an internal investigation was started by the Sheriff’s Office. McCracken was suspended from the Sheriff’s Office pending the outcome of the investigation. On April 14, 2021 Detective McCracken was terminated from employment by Chief Deputy Rickie Childers. McCracken immediately appealed the termination to Sheriff Byron Lyons. Prior to his appeal hearing with the sheriff, McCracken resigned from the Sheriff’s Office while under investigation. The criminal aspect of the investigation was reported to the Texas Rangers for an independent investigation. On April 19, 2021 Austin McCracken was arrested and charged with Misuse of Official Information which is a third degree felony. McCracken was booked into the Polk County Jail and given a $5,000.00 bond by Justice of the Peace Darrell Longino. Anyone having information regarding any other instances of possible improper conduct on the part of Deputy McCracken is encouraged to contact Texas Ranger Sgt. Ryan Clendenen at (936) 327-6836. Sheriff Byron Lyons expressed that he expects his deputies to always adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and law enforcement ethics in their dealings with citizens.
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