Retirement of a Longtime Police Officer
A longtime Carrollton police officer retired Friday after being accused last month of having an “improper relationship” with a 17-year-old student in 2008 while he was assigned to schools in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, according to records obtained by The Dallas Morning News.
Carrollton police received a complaint on May 8 naming Officer Forest Cole Langston, police have said. Langston, who had not been arrested or disciplined as of Tuesday, was placed on leave pending an investigation by police into the allegation.
Neither Langston nor his attorney had responded to requests for comment on the resignation as of Tuesday.
Langston’s Resignation Letter
“After 32 years with the Carrollton Police Department, I wish to retire,” Langston wrote in a letter to police Chief Roberto Arredondo that was reviewed by The News. “It has been a pleasure to serve the citizens of Carrollton. I wish you and the department nothing but continued success in its mission.”
Investigation and Retirement
A memo signed by Langston states he understood the investigation had not been completed as of Friday, when his retirement was accepted. That memo, also obtained through a records request, stated the city would not issue any news releases or public statements regarding his retirement.
“No further investigation will take place regarding his employment with the city,” the memo reads.
The News sent a list of questions to police on Monday after learning of Langston’s resignation. Arredondo declined to comment, saying the city would not discuss personnel matters.
“Due to the sensitivity of any criminal investigation, and in order to protect the integrity of the process, no statement will be made regarding the allegations, if any, made that led to Mr. Langston being placed on administrative leave,” Arredondo said in a statement Monday.
Alleged Improper Relationship
Langston was working at Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD in 2008, when police say the alleged improper relationship occurred. He was most recently assigned to Lewisville ISD.
Police have not detailed the nature of the alleged relationship, though police believe the allegation does not “involve any misconduct occurring on any school property,” Bailey Clampitt, a city of Carrollton spokesperson, said in a statement at the time Langston was placed on leave.
Langston, 55, joined the Carrollton Police Department more than 30 years ago. State records show he has not worked at any other law enforcement agencies as a peace officer.
Carrollton Police Chief Roberto Arredondo addresses a news conference at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, in Dallas.
(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Langston’s Future
The memo states Langston would not seek reemployment or reinstatement with the city “in any capacity.” The memo also states Langston’s state license paperwork would say “only separation,” meaning he would be eligible to be hired elsewhere.
The department, the memo adds, will not continue to commission his peace officer license after his retirement.
Conclusion
The retirement of Officer Forest Cole Langston has raised many questions about the alleged improper relationship and the investigation that followed. While the city has declined to comment on the matter, the memo signed by Langston provides some insight into the circumstances surrounding his retirement.
FAQs
Q: What is the nature of the alleged improper relationship between Officer Langston and the 17-year-old student?
A: The police have not detailed the nature of the alleged relationship, but they believe it does not involve any misconduct occurring on any school property.
Q: Why was Officer Langston placed on leave?
A: Officer Langston was placed on leave pending an investigation by police into the allegation of an improper relationship with a 17-year-old student.
Q: Will Officer Langston be eligible to be hired elsewhere as a peace officer?
A: Yes, according to the memo, Langston’s state license paperwork would say “only separation,” meaning he would be eligible to be hired elsewhere.
