Hughes Springs officer suspended following arrest

CASS COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report a Hughes Springs police officer was suspended after being arrested in November on a charge of misuse of official information. According to Cass County jail records, Hollie Cates, 42, was arrested Nov. 17 on the charge and released the following day after posting bail. Hughes Springs Police Department said they were contacted by Texas Rangers and made aware of an incident that occurred in September, which alleges that Cates accessed and released confidential information to an individual.

Cates was placed on administrative leave with pay while awaiting the outcome of the investigation. Following her arrest, she was suspended without pay on Nov. 18.

“While the actions under investigation were inconsistent with department procedures, I do not believe Officer Cate’s conduct was carried out with any intent to violate a criminal statute or with the intent to obtain a benefit or with intent to harm or defraud another.” Chief Anthony Harrison said. “The department’s response in this matter reflects our dual responsibility — to maintain public trust while also treating our citizens and department personnel with fairness and respect.”