PALESTINE – A Palestine police officer has been indicted by a Henderson County grand jury, arrested and placed on temporary unpaid leave.

“A Henderson County grand jury returned several indictments against Cpl. Joseph Hesseltine and he has been arrested,” said Nate Smith, Palestine communications and best practices officer.

According to Smith, Palestine Police Department became aware of the potential charges and other law enforcement agencies are investigating the allegations.

Hesseltine, 25, of Malkoff, was indicted for one count of injury to a child/elderly or disabled person, criminal negligence and two counts of abandoning or endangering a child with criminal negligence. Bond is $5,000 for each charge, for a total of $15,000. 

“Police Chief Mike Alexander placed Cpl. Hesseltine on temporary unpaid leave from the Palestine Police Department following the issuance of the indictments,” Smith said.

Hasseltine has worked for the Palestine Police Department two years and five months. He previously worked for Mattress Firm, Wal-Mart and Walgreens.