Harris County Deputy Faces Allegations of Ongoing Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Available filings say the alleged misconduct started in 2016, when the girl was 13, and continued over an extended period. The allegations include an incident in which Cowley allegedly touched her breast, another in which he pinned her down and tried to kiss her, and repeated abuse over about a month and for years afterward. Cowley and the girl were personally acquainted, and an account identified her as a relative.

Cowley, 40, appeared at a probable cause hearing on October 29. The judge cited statements in the allegations as grounds to consider him a flight risk and issued a protective order. The allegations state that Cowley said he would escape to England if taken into custody and would commit suicide by cop.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said Cowley had worked for the agency for 11 years and was assigned to its Critical Incident Response Team. He has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case. Cowley was booked on October 28 and remains in the Harris County Jail. As of October 29, he had not been appointed a lawyer. The allegations have not been proven in court.