kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and KilleenNew Details of Killeen Police Officer Alleged Sexual Assault

KCEN HD News is learning new information about the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl by a Killeen police officer.

Kirt Yarbrough, Sr. was arrested Thursday, January 12th, but according to the arrest affidavit, the incident happened in December.

The affidavit says Yarbrough took the girl, who was then 16, to a Temple hotel where he performed a sexual act on her. Investigators checked with that hotel and found that Yarbrough did check in on December 19th.

The affidavit says the investigating officer also found pictures of the two kissing on the girl's cell phone and instant messages on her computer that indicate a sexual relationship.

People in the community say they're shocked and disappointed.

"I was appalled. I mean you know you expect better from police officers or any citizen, any person that's in a civic or government duty, like myself," says Tane Cotton.

"They're gonna be looked at differently now. They're not going to be perceived as being the good guys when it comes time for somebody to call them," adds mother of three Cassandra Hartsell.

The girl was a member of the Killeen Police Explorer program. KPD has suspended that program to conduct an administrative review.

Parents say he suspension is a good move, but it won't change the department's image.

"Some parents might be a little apprehensive about putting their children in programs like that because you, police officers are supposed to be the ones upholding the law," says Shannon Long.

"They've been taught all their lives to respect authority, so how are they going to be able to get away from the bad guy when the bad guy is the authority," Cassandra adds.

Yarbrough is on administrative leave and is currently out on bail. He is a 16-year veteran of the police department.

"I don't think he was thinking because to sacrifice 16 years, your career for doing something like that. I really don't think he was measuring the consequences," Shannon says.

Killeen Police Department declined to comment Friday because the investigation is ongoing. but Chief Dennis Baldwin released a statement saying, "This allegation, as dreadful as it is, should not be considered a reflection of the true commitment and dedication the men and women of KPD have toward this community."    

Reporter: Ashley Goudeau / Photographer: Rocky Bridges