Honk News (Monahans, TX) – The Texas Department of Public Safety has verified that Benjamin McGilvray, a 38-year-old Monahans police officer, is facing several charges stemming from an investigation into the sexual assault of a child. On Wednesday, March 18, McGilvray, an active member of the Monahans Police Department, was taken into custody for offenses involving a minor.
Those charges include:
- 3 counts: Sexual Assault, a second-degree felony
- 1 count: Online Solicitation of a Minor, a second-degree felony
- 1 count: Online Solicitation of a Minor, a third-degree felony
- 1 count: Child Grooming, a third-degree felony
The Monahans PD reports that special agents from the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigations Division, along with the Texas Rangers, arrested McGilvray after probing a case of Online Solicitation of a Minor, classified as a third-degree felony.
Additional charges are forthcoming, and the department is collaborating with DPS and the Texas Rangers to support the ongoing investigation.
McGilvray has been placed on administrative leave while the inquiry continues, and no further details have been released at this time.
Read More – Texas Man Arrested after Missing Teen Found in His Home; Suspect is a Registered Sex Offender
A registered sex offender, arrested late last month when a runaway teen was discovered in his home, is now facing additional charges following the teen’s release from the hospital and her account to investigators.
Michael Gene Linthicum faces charges for abandoning or endangering a child due to criminal negligence, as well as for purchasing or furnishing alcohol to a minor. In addition to his other charges, he faces accusations of Harboring a Runaway and Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Requirements.
Recent documents revealed that when the OPD arrived at Linthicum’s residence and discovered the teenager, she was heavily intoxicated and required medical assistance. After leaving the hospital, the girl talked to a forensic investigator and revealed that she had been with the suspects for 28 days. During that period, Linthicum provided her with alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamines.