A Texas City police officer says she faced retaliation after reporting sexual harassment by a superior, a claim the department disputes, following a recent civil service hearing.

Rachael Spahr, president of the Texas City Municipal Police Association (TCMPA), was given a three-day suspension after being accused of violating several department and city personnel policies. Spahr says the discipline stems directly from her decision to come forward with a harassment complaint last year.

“This was retaliatory in nature,” Spahr told KGTX 7. “I did what the law requires and reported misconduct. What happened after that sends a message to every officer who might speak up.”

Chief Landis Cravens disputes the allegation.

“Officer Spahr’s claim of retaliation is baseless,” Cravens told KGTX 7. “Sustained discipline is not retaliatory. The Texas City Civil Service Commission upheld that Officer Spahr committed several Police Department and City of Texas City Personnel Policies and as a result, levied a three-day suspension.”

The civil service commission upheld the three-day suspension but did not make a ruling on whether the action was retaliatory.

Dispute Over Investigation Involvement

A key issue in the case involves Assistant Chief Manuel Johnson, the officer named in Spahr’s original harassment complaint. Cravens said Johnson “was not involved in the investigation of Officer Spahr’s conduct,” adding that he “did not interview any witnesses, did not collect evidence or documents, or make any findings.”

Spahr disputes that.

“My attorney provided evidence that Manuel Johnson watched all of my interviews regarding the internal investigation,” she said. “It was called a ‘Forensic Audit’. When Chief Cravens was confronted, he said Johnson was over public integrity and was ‘quality control.’”

Criminal Referral Questioned

After Spahr filed her harassment complaint, the department referred the matter for possible criminal charges under Texas Penal Code 39.06 — misuse of official information. Both the Texas Rangers and the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office declined to pursue charges.

Cravens said the department acted appropriately.

“After consultations with our attorneys, the elements of Texas Penal Code 39.06 were met, and we made the proper referral for outside investigation as we would with any other similarly situated incident,” he said.

Spahr said Texas Ranger Wong, who investigated the case, testified that no crime occurred.

“I think Ranger Wong put it best: even if there was evidence I shared information with the media, it doesn’t meet the elements of the crime,” Spahr said.

Policies and Protection

Cravens said the department “has policies and procedures in place” to ensure fairness and protection for officers who report misconduct. He said Spahr “failed to follow those procedures.”

Spahr disputes the department’s characterization.

“During the hearing, he said that I was not being disciplined for reporting procedures,” she said. “They say you have to report harassment within 30 days. That just shows he disciplined me for not meeting the 30 days.”

The Texas City Municipal Police Association continues to stand by Officer Spahr, saying her case highlights broader concerns about retaliation and accountability in law enforcement. The TCPD administration on the other hand says they followed regulations regarding Spahr, and will continue to stand by their actions.

_{Photo credit: Texas City Police YouTube}