SOMERVILLE CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS CONTROVERSIAL POLICE HIRING

  

A large crowd, including some protesters, is expected tonight at the Somerville City Council meeting.

According to KBTX-TV, residents have recently been expressing concerns about a new hire for the police department; former Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Chauna Thompson.  Thompson was hired by Somerville police last year.

Thompson and her husband were charged in the death of a Houston man in 2017.  The two were shown in a cell phone video restraining a man outside a restaurant.  Thompson’s husband applied a choke-hold on the man, who died during the incident.  Thompson, who was off-duty, was later fired from her job.

Charges against Thompson were later dropped.  Her husband Terry was convicted on a murder charge and sentenced to 25 years.

According to Somerville Police Chief Craig Wise said Thompson served about five months but was fired about six months ago after the mayor and others in the community found out about her past.  Now, the Chief says he is taking the employment option to the council to ultimately decide.

Wise said Thompson, who now goes by the last name Sheffield, didn't have any complaints when working in Somerville.

The council meets Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. at the Somerville Senior Center. Capacity will be limited inside due to COVID-19.