KINGSVILLE (Kiii News) -
The Kingsville Police Department has announced that one of their own has been charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact.
Authorities say the investigation began when an outcry of inappropriate touching was made by a female child to a teacher at her school, that school is Ricardo Elementary.
The Police Chief in Kingsville says the case came completely out of left field and that everyone in the department is stunned.
The Kleberg County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Rangers issued a warrant of arrest for David Cerda, 40, Thursday night.
The two agencies contacted the Kingsville Police Department last night to inform them about the investigation. Police say they were ready to place Cerda on paid administrative leave, but that Cerda decided to resign his position with the department, after turning himself in.
We're told the alleged incident happened a couple of days ago.
"I think there was surprise from all the members of the department. He was a well respected officer of the department, a first line supervisor with our department. Actually one of our team leaders on our SWAT team, it was not expected at all, we're kinda stunned," says Kingsville Police Chief Ricardo Torres.
The charge of indecency with a child sexual contact is a second degree felony. It comes with a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Bond for Cerda has been set at $100,000. Police say they will cooperate fully with the Texas Rangers to ensure that justice is served.
