Sergeant Jesse Espinoza, at one time, was a highly respected member of the Kyle Police Department (KPD) but unfortunately his reputation has been tarnished by KPD’s decision to terminate his employment and have him placed on the Brady List. Could it be that Sergeant Espinoza’s only transgression was that he was an effective union president or a political threat to the Chief’s position because of Mr. Espinoza’s standing and rapport with the Hispanic community within the city of Kyle, Texas?

It is Ironic that Chief Barnett has been suspended twice in one year; it’s interesting to note some of the other issues that have occurred involving the Kyle Police Department (KPD) under his leadership:

• Chief Barnett’s widely publicized and admitted adulterous relationship with a married woman who latter alleged to bear his child. The Chief’s behavior alone in this issue should be proof enough that he lacks leadership qualities and the moral compass required for a public servant in his position.

• The homicide of a beloved, Kyle Police Department Victim’s Service Counselor, Samantha Dean and her unborn child.

• The incompetence of the City of Kyle Animal Control (which reports to the Chief) that contributed to the severe mauling of a Kyle resident and the death of her dog because the City of Kyle Animal Control would not respond to multiple complaints about vicious dogs roaming the Waterleaf subdivision at large, according to news reports. As a result, the City of Kyle is now involved in a $1M negligent lawsuit which Kyle residents will have to defend and be responsible for any settlement attributed to this case.  

From the perspective of a former law enforcement officer, I’m embarrassed and appalled at the Chief’s behavior and his lack of leadership engagement.

Kyle City Manager, Scott Sellers, owes the residents of Kyle, Texas an explanation for the continue failures of Chief Barnett’s leadership and a reason why he is still employed by the City of Kyle.  

William Allen Musser

Kyle