A Harris County sheriff’s deputy has been arrested and charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child, with court records alleging that the abuse took place over several years and involved a teenage relative.
Alexander Kristopher Cowley, 40, was arrested after a warrant was signed on Wednesday, 28 October. He appeared before a judge in Harris County on Thursday night, when his bond was set at $500,000. ([fox26houston.com](https://www.fox26houston.com/news/harris-county-sheriffs-deputy-alexander-kristopher-cowley-arrested-accused-child-sexual-abuse-affidavit))
Cowley had served with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for 11 years and was assigned to its Critical Incident Response Team. The department has placed him on administrative duty pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. ([fox26houston.com](https://www.fox26houston.com/news/harris-county-sheriffs-deputy-alexander-kristopher-cowley-arrested-accused-child-sexual-abuse-affidavit))
Allegations against Harris County deputy
According to court documents, the alleged abuse began in 2016, when the girl was 13, and continued until 2024. The records allege that Cowley sexually assaulted the girl on multiple occasions and coached her to deny what had happened.
Further details presented in court records allege that Cowley made sexually inappropriate contact with the girl and that the abuse continued over an extended period. The victim has not been identified.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the case and is listed as the charging agency. Cowley’s arrest appears to be his first, according to information reported during the court hearing. ([fox26houston.com](https://www.fox26houston.com/news/harris-county-sheriffs-deputy-alexander-kristopher-cowley-arrested-accused-child-sexual-abuse-affidavit))
Prosecutors had sought a $1 million bond, arguing that Cowley had previously said he would flee to England if he were caught. They also raised concerns about statements allegedly indicating that he might provoke police to shoot him.
The judge instead set bond at $500,000 and issued a protective order, according to local reports. ([abc13.com](https://abc13.com/post/hcso-deputy-arrested-charged-continuous-sexual-abuse-minor-court-records-show/19998016/?utm_source=openai))
Cowley is accused, not convicted, and the case will now proceed through the Texas courts. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has not announced any further disciplinary action beyond his administrative status.
