Big Spring Officer Accused of Child Sex Crimes Fired

After almost a year since being accused of criminal misconduct with children, a West Texas police officer has been fired from the Big Spring Police Department.

In August 2015, the Big Spring Police Department was informed of allegations involving Joel Rojo. In April 2016, Rojo was arrested and charged with Indecency with a Child, Sexual Performance. There are two allegations in which Rojo is connected to involving children that arose in August and October 2015.

“Due to the nature of the allegations being criminal, the Big Spring Police Department contacted the Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers to investigate the criminal allegations, while the Big Spring Police Department initiated an administrative investigation,” said officials in a public release on the BSPD’s website.

Officials said Rojo was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative investigations.

On April 12, 2016, a grand jury of the 118^th District Court issued five criminal indictments against Officer Rojo, and, as stated, he was arrested on those indictments.

“As of June 17, 2016, Officer Joel Rojo’s employment with the Big Spring Police Department has been terminated as a result of an administrative investigation,” said BSPD officials.

Because of the ongoing criminal investigation, there is limited information available. However, BSPD said Rojo is still afforded his appeal process, and his trial for the criminal allegations has been tentatively set for September 2016.

“It is imperative that we, as Texas Peace Officers, are committed to providing the citizens of Big Spring professional service while holding ourselves accountable and above reproach of any unethical, immoral, or illegal acts,” said the BSPD official statement.