In a serious turn of events, an Arlington police officer has been indicted over alleged retaliatory action in the wake of an animal cruelty case that left three dogs dead. Officer Stacie Brown, an 18-year veteran of the force, now finds herself on administrative leave as her department's Internal Affairs Unit takes a close look into the matter, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Brown, who had carved out a niche in the DWI Unit of the Arlington Police Department, was slapped with the indictment by a Tarrant County grand jury on Dec. 11, amidst claims she filed a false police report against the owners of a deceased pet. Her husband, Alan Brown, who ran K9 Direction, had already been indicted in September on three counts of animal cruelty after three pets died on his watch. The deaths, dating back to 2021, have become a blemish on the Brown couple's reputation, as per WFAA.
Turning herself in on Jan. 9, Officer Brown managed to post bond and walk out. Despite the swirling allegations, her attorney has professed her innocence, demanding a speedy trial. "The department takes this matter seriously and is cooperating with the DA's Office," a spokesperson stated, per WFAA.
The trouble began after Stacie Brown allegedly lodged a police complaint against Emeka and Masera Ndukwe, whose dog Brooklyn died under Alan Brown's oversight. The couple had shared their account of the incident on Facebook, a post that quickly gained traction and prompted other dissatisfied customers to speak out. Their warning named Brown, her position as an Arlington officer, her relationship to Alan Brown, and their business address. Subsequently, Stacie Brown accused the couple of posting the content with the intent to harm or threaten her because of her public servant status, a case they later resigned from pursuing.
On the other end, Alan Brown, whose love for animals was underscored by his attorney, insists upon his innocence, emphasizing the allegations as misguided. While facing scrutiny for waiting days before informing the Ndukwes of their pet's death, a text message to the distressed pet owners from Brown suggested he was trying to preserve their honeymoon memories. The grand jury has bolstered the claims against him with accusations of failing to communicate for a necessary necropsy following the sudden death of Brooklyn, further complicating the case.
