Report exonerates Fair Oaks Ranch police chief

The Boerne Star
By Jeff B. Flinn
November 19, 2023

FAIR OAKS RANCH — A six-week investigation released by the City Council has cleared Police Chief Tim Moring of any wrongdoing, officials said. 

At its Nov. 16 meeting, the council voted to publicize the report, which “determined all of the allegations made against Moring were unfounded or not sustained,” Mayor Greg Maxton said in a video statement released this week. 

According to the third-party independent investigation, the complaints targeting Moring were lodged by two now-former members of the Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department. 

Independent investigator Jesse Prado conducted the examination of allegations provided in the pair of complaints filed by former police Sgt. Paul Zepeda and former Police Officer Lacey Gonzalez against Moring, officials said. 

The Star will continue its efforts to reach out to the former officers or their representatives for comment. 

According to Prado’s administrative inquiry, both officers left city employment mid-summer following an internal investigation into reports they violated department rules. 

On July 28, the city received an official complaint against Moring, filed by Gonzalez. The 14-page complaint alleged misconduct in a hostile work environment.  

Just days later, the city received a second complaint from Zepeda on Aug. 3, also containing claims against Moring.  

City officials planned to release redacted copies of Prado’s findings Tuesday, Nov. 21. 

“I want to make certain to our residents that we maintain full confidence in our police chief and our Police Department as they continue to ensure that we remain one of the safest cities in the state of Texas,” Maxton said.  

Prado, owner and manager of the state-licensed investigation company, JPPI Investigations LLC, has more than 30 years of investigative experience, Maxton said, with 21 of those years logged while serving as a detective in the organized crime division of the Austin Police Department.  

Prado’s hiring was recommended by the city attorney’s law firm, Denton Navarro Rocha Bernal and Zech. 

Moring, who was placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation played out, resumed command of the Police Department Oct. 10.

To view Maxton's video statement, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APosxZnUMMI&t=376s.