Texas City cop faces child injury charge

TEXAS CITY — A K-9 police officer and member of the Texas City Police Department’s high-profile Field Investigation Team is charged with felony injury to a child, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and Police Chief Robert Burby confirmed.

Charges were filed against Officer John Thorn, 38, on Thursday and an arrest warrant was issued Friday.

Thorn is making arrangements to turn himself in at the Galveston County Jail within the next couple of days, sheriff’s office spokesman Maj. Ray Tuttoilmondo said.

Because the case involves a child, Tuttoilmondo was prevented by state law from providing details about the investigation. He confirmed the case was brought to the agency within the past couple of weeks.

Burby, who first informed The Daily News of the charges Friday, said Thorn has been with the department since 2006 after having worked three years for the Galveston Police Department.

Thorn was put on administrative leave Friday and is scheduled to meet with Burby on Monday, the chief said.

Thorn was assigned desk duty during the investigation, which lasted about two weeks, the chief said.

“We have stayed out of the investigation to avoid any conflicts,” Burby said. “It was an investigation by the sheriff’s office and (Child Protective Services).”

In 2010, Thorn joined the department’s FIT squad and was the first K-9 officer — along with his partner Jimmo — of the specialized unit that was designed to work high crime areas of the city.

Bond for Thorn is set at $5,000.