TEXARKANA, Texas — A federal judge has denied a motion filed by the City of Texarkana to halt proceedings in an ongoing civil lawsuit involving former police officer Zackary Gilley.
Gilley, 33, was arrested last year following allegations of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The alleged abuse took place in 2024 while the victim was participating in a police ride-along during Gilley’s patrol shift. At the time, the teenager was a member of the Explorer’s Program, a department initiative designed to encourage local youth to explore careers in law enforcement.
Prior to his arrest, Gilley had served with the Texarkana, Texas Police Department since 2018.
Recently, the city and police supervisors submitted a motion to pause the civil proceedings, which seek both punitive and compensatory damages. However, the court officially denied that request in June 2026. The civil case remains pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
In addition to the civil litigation, Gilley is scheduled to face a jury for his criminal trial on September 14.
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.