McKinney PD Changes Policies on Citizen Complaints

Internal investigation launched after initial complaints against chiropractor were not investigated

McKinney's police department is announcing sweeping policy changes in how it handles citizen complaints as a result of the mishandling of allegations that a chiropractor sexually assaulted two girls.

Dr. David Russell is charged with the sexual assault of two teenagers while treating them for groin injuries at his clinic.

McKinney police began an internal investigation after finding that allegations against Russell were first reported to police nearly nine months before the October complaint that led to his arrest.

The department announced that it is changing the way it receives, tracks and assigns citizen complaints.

"We're going to reduce that time that it takes for information to be assigned and followed up on," Deputy Chief Scott Brewer said.

All complaints will be vetted by supervisors and immediately assigned to detectives for follow-up, whether information is provided by someone who walks into the police department, calls in a phone tip, emails or utilizes social media.

"We will make the necessary changes to ensure that these type of things do not happen in future times," Brewer said.

The statement is an acknowledgment of major failures in the initial handling of the allegations against Russell.

In February, Carla Mullendore, a former Taylor Dance Center instructor, went to the McKinney Police Department to report the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old student. Mullendore followed up with a phone call the next day.

Neither contact resulted in an investigation.

In July, Mullendore contacted Child Protective Services with the same complaint. CPS sent an email referral to McKinney's police department but the information again was never investigated.

By that time, a second teenage victim alleged that Russell assaulted her.

Both of the victims took dance classes at Taylor Dance Center in McKinney, where Russell volunteered. His longtime girlfriend, Suzan Taylor, owns the studio.

Police continue to pour through thousand of pages of patient documents obtained through a search warrant at Russell's office.

The department's examination of its procedures also continues.

Brewer said it's possible that the officers could face discipline for the initial mishandling of the case.

"The process is to complete the internal affairs [investigation]," Brewer said. "If there are personnel that warrant discipline, that would be identified throughout the IA. Prior to its conclusion, those actions would take place."

Police say more potential victims have come forward since Russell's arrest.

"It is accurate to say that we continue to receive leads on a real regular basis," Brewer said.


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