By Susan Lindsey
Staff Reporter
A former police officer and school board member was indicted by a grand jury for sexual assault of a student involved in the police Explorer program.
Zackary Gilley, 32, of DeKalb, appeared before a grand jury on August 7 on charges of sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by sexual contact, according to court documents.
Both charges are second degree felonies and carry a sentence of 2 to 20 years in a Texas prison and a fine up to $10,000.
The indictment was signed by John Tidwell of the 202nd District Court. Jeff Harrelson was appointed as defense counsel.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Gilley was acting as a supervising officer for a 15-year-old female in the Explorer program under the Texarkana, Texas, Police Department.
The Explorer program allows teenagers interested in becoming a police officer opportunities to ride along with commissioned officers and learn about the job on a first-hand basis.
An outcry witness reported to TTPD administrators that the female teen had stated Gilley had allegedly made inappropriate comments and contact with her during multiple ridealongs between January 1 and November 1 of 2024. Her ridealongs were between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The victim told detectives the alleged assault began as early as January or February. She stated that initially Gilley allegedly made inappropriate comments that made her feel uncomfortable, the probable cause affidavit said.
Gilley was arrested by TTPD investigators on June 2 and booked into the Bi-State Justice Center jail. He was released a few days later after posting $600,000 bond.
To read more on this story, see the Wednesday, August 20, 2025 issue of the Tribune.
