After a year-long investigation, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement has notified Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden of their intent to suspend him for six months. Four of Hayden’s deputies are also to be suspended.
Hayden has appealed the ruling and is seeking to negotiate a shorter suspension.
TCOLE has been investigating whether Hayden and his deputies allegedly falsified documents claiming they completed required civil law courses. Hayden and his chief deputy Barry Welch allegedly did not take the mandatory classes by the deadline and are also alleged to have falsely claimed they administered training to other officers.
Hayden and his deputies were required to take 40 hours of TCOLE training every two years in order to maintain their license.
TCOLE launched the investigation into Hayden’s office on June 7, 2018, during which they also examined documents at the City of Roman Forest, the training provider for law enforcement departments in East Montgomery County.
While his suspension remains in effect, Hayden will not be able to perform any law enforcement duties. However, the suspension will not remove him from office or affect the administrative tasks of his job.
As an elected official, taxpayers will continue to pay Hayden’s salary during the suspension. He is up for re-election in 2020.
