The following is the press release issued Tuesday afternoon by the Paris Police Department regarding charges of child abuse and neglect filed against a former police officer and his wife. The original report was issued by the TBI and can be seen elsewhere on our sites.
Paris, TN- A former officer with the Paris Police Department has been charged with Child Abuse and Neglect following an independent investigation conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) in coordination with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
The investigation began after allegations of abuse involving one of the officer’s children were raised during a recent hearing in Chancery Court. At the request of District Attorney General Neil Thompson, the TBI and DCS initiated a thorough review to determine whether criminal charges were warranted.
As a result of the findings, agents determined there was sufficient evidence to charge both the child’s mother and the officer. Upon notification by the TBI that charges would be filed, Paris Police Chief Ricky Watson immediately suspended Officer Brian Ray pending an internal review. Following that review, Chief Watson officially terminated Ray’s employment with the department on the morning of April 15, 2025.
Chief Watson stated:
“We hold our officers to the highest standard—professionally, ethically, and personally. Allegations involving the abuse of a child are deeply troubling and stand in direct opposition to the values of this department. While the judicial process must be respected, the Paris Police Department will always act swiftly and decisively when the conduct of an officer calls the public’s trust into question.”
The Paris Police Department has fully cooperated with the investigation and will continue to support the work of our law enforcement partners as the case moves forward.
This remains an active investigation. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For public inquiries or information related to this case, please contact:
Paris Police Department Records office (731)641-1413