Police officer fired in teen groping

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 7 (UPI) -- A police officer in Fort Worth, Texas, who was acquitted of groping a 15-year-old girl, has been fired from the police department.

Even though the jury found James David Carter not guilty, Police Chief Ralph Mendoza filed a letter with the Civil Service Commission that said, "Based on the preponderance of the evidence, the indecency with a child did occur," the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Thursday.

The letter said that both Carter and the teenager he allegedly groped after arresting her for driving under the influence were given polygraphs and the girl passed the test, but Carter showed signs of deception.

But, Carter's attorney, Richard Carter, who is not related, said his client has appealed his firing and is eager to win his job back.

"The civil service rule violations he actually violated were minor," said the attorney. "The chief's letter which attempts to justify officer Carter being indefinitely suspended reads like an indictment, but the relevant and admissible evidence at the appeal hearing will be much different."