The Ellis County Press: Cornish  arrested for beating 16-year-old

Cornish  arrested for beating 16-year-old
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Editor on 12/17/2009 12:24:00


MEGAN GRAY
The Ellis County Press
LANCASTER - Harold Cornish, an ex-Dallas Police Officer, was arrested by
Lancaster Independent School District Police Friday, Dec. 11 after beating a
16-year-old female student at a Lancaster public school.
Cornish, a truancy officer, is a part of the Student Parent Support Services
department for LISD. Anita McPar-tland, director of strategic communications and
instructional technology for the district confirmed Cornish does not work for
their district police department. "Lancaster ISD Police Officers were called to
the school and arrested the truancy officer, he was taken to the Lew Sterrett
Justice Center on Friday," said McPartland.
Cornish, one of three candidates who applied for an officers position in 2003
with the district, was issued proper identification before Chief at the time,
Dick Headen realized he needed approval by the board of trustees.
Back in November of 2005, the board approved Cornish and paid him $21,500 as
part of the settlement.
Sue Mendoza, board member voted against his hiring.
Before working for the district, Cornish was involved in multiple situations
before being fired from Dallas PD on three different occasions.
A judge ruled Cornish falsely implicated two other officers, alleging that they
were part of a cover-up; failed to take immediate action as a supervisor when a
sexual harassment complaint was brought to his attention; and lied in internal
statements to name a few.
According to reports, Cornish was acquitted of all criminal charges stemming
from the 1999 incident and according to Dallas County records, his criminal
record showing the charges has been expunged.
"The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation,"
said McPartland.