Former DPS trooper based in Wichita Falls jailed Thursday on drug, tampering charges

A former Texas Department of Public Safety trooper who worked out of Wichita Falls is facing two felony charges, according to online information from the Wichita County Jail.

Ex-trooper Chad Harden, 45, of Iowa Park was booked into Wichita County Jail Thursday morning on felony charges of drug possession and tampering with evidence, according to online jail records.

Harden was free from jail Thursday on personal recognizance bonds, according to jail records.

Wichita County District Attorney John Gillespie gave a brief statement Thursday afternoon.

“I appreciate the professionalism of the Texas Rangers and DPS in investigating this matter," Gillespie said Thursday. "We all take it quite seriously, and it will be prosecuted and treated as such by the District Attorney's Office."

Texas Rangers have been investigating Harden for alleged mishandling of evidence, according to a statement from Sgt. Dan Buesing, DPS spokesman.

Harden was suspended from his duties in June when Texas Rangers were made aware of the allegations, according to the statement.

The charges against Harden are in connection with incidents June 11, according to jail records.

More: Defense alleges man didn't understand trooper's request

Employed over 10 years, Harden has resigned from the DPS, and his last day with the law-enforcement agency was Tuesday, Buesing said.

This story updates an earlier online version that incorrectly stated Harden was terminated.

The Wichita County DA presented the investigation's findings to a Wichita County grand jury, which handed down sealed indictments Wednesday against Harden, according to officials.

Harden was indicted on a charge of tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair its use or availability as evidence, according to jail records.

He was also indicted on a charge of possession of a controlled substance in penalty group 2 of at least one gram but less than four grams, according to jail records.

His total bonds were originally set at $50,000, jail records showed.

The investigation and arrest of the ex-trooper has had a ripple effect on criminal cases he was associated with.

Buesing confirmed that Harden has been deeply involved in efforts to interrupt the drug trade in Wichita County, taking a hand in seizing drugs and cash mostly along U.S. Highway 287.

Buesing said drug and cash interdiction is a common occurrence within a trooper’s patrol duties here on U.S. 287.

The DA's Office filed motions last month to dismiss at least five criminal cases, court documents showed.

The requests for dismissal were filed because a Texas ranger formed "a low opinion of Harden's character for truthfulness" as a result of an investigation, according to court records.

The motions for dismissal specified that, "This case hinges solely upon Harden's eyewitness testimony."

Cases dismissed against five people in which Harden was cited include the following:

• Two cases of drug possession

• Fraudulent use/possession of identifying information

• Money laundering greater than or equal to $30,000 but less than $150,000

• Possession of more than five pounds of marijuana but less than or equal to 50 pounds

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Former DPS Trooper Chad Harden faces two felony charges.