Cedar Park Man Released In Child Sex Assault Case

CEDAR PARK, TX — An appeals court has overturned the conviction of a local man for the sexual assault of a child — ending a years-long saga for the resident who has long proclaimed his innocence — after determining the Cedar Park Police Department fumbled its investigation, according to reports.

The case is centered on Greg Kelley, who was convicted by a Williamson County jury in 2014 on a charge of super-aggravated assault of a child at an in-home daycare centers where was was temporarily living. Kelley was released on bond in August 2017 after the Williamson County District Attorney's Office requested the Texas Rangers reopen the case.

The Texas Rangers found the Cedar Park Police Department failed to thoroughly investigate the case, and other suspects weren't thoroughly investigated before Kelley was named the suspect in the case. Kelley was released from prison in the wake of the appeals court decision on Wednesday.

Cedar Park Police Department Chief Sean Mannix issued a prepared statement on the heels of the appeals court's decision but insisted the overturn of the case was not attributable to a denial of due process for Kelley as was suggested: "I respect today’s ruling by the Court of Criminal Appeals granting Greg Kelley’s application for relief," Mannix wrote. "As Justice Newell’s concurring opinion indicates, this relief was based on new evidence post-conviction, and not on the grounds of deprivation of due process or ineffective assistance of counsel."

The Cedar Park Police Department has been the subject of intense criticism over perceived failures to look at other suspects in the case before the focus fell on Kelley. In his statement, Mannix sought to assuage lingering concerns about his department's effectiveness in safeguarding the community.

"Make no mistake, I have heard the criticisms surrounding this case and taken actions to address them," Mannix wrote. "I want to reassure our citizens that the department remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure community safety and public trust. It’s a responsibility and privilege I take very seriously. I recognize this case has been difficult for all involved and has impacted multiple families and our community. Our department will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners and the District Attorney’s Office in keeping our community safe."

City Manager Brenda Eivens also released a prepared statement in response to the appeals court's decision to overturn the case against Kelley. Like Mannix, she sought to assuage public concerns about the effectiveness of local investigators while providing details on some of the measures that have been taken in the wake of the case.

"The City of Cedar Park respects today’s Court of Criminal Appeals ruling that grants Greg Kelley’s application for relief from his criminal conviction," Eivens began. "As City Manager, I have high expectations of our police department, as does our community. Local law enforcement serves as the first step in the criminal justice process. The comments and criticisms directed at this investigation were thoughtfully considered, and resulted in action. For example, in the Criminal Investigations Division we have added detectives as well as management and supervisory staff - enhancing division oversight. We have also created a Special Victims Unit dedicated to the investigation of sexual assault, child abuse and elderly abuse. We are committed to continuous improvements, as maintaining the public trust and ensuring public safety will always remain our top priorities."