City appoints Davis interim police chief after Sodek’s death
The Marlin City Council appointed Marlin City Manager Cedric Davis to a dual role of City Manager and Police Chief on Monday morning in a special called meeting. The vote comes after the city’s police chief, Nathan Sodek, shot and killed himself on Aug. 23 while being served with an arrest warrant at his home by Texas Rangers.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety Communications Director Ryan Howard, Department of Public Safety Rangers were conducting an investigation at the 100 block of Soules Circle in Bruceville Eddy on Aug. 23. At some point during the investigation, the person of interest committed suicide and was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The person was later identified as Sodek.
Reports say Sodek was being accused of sexual assault.
Marlin officers were given time off until Monday. The Falls County Sheriff’s Department along with other entities were taking care of their duties. The city hopes to have a new police chief within 30 to 60 days.
"On behalf of the City, I would like to take a moment to ask our community to keep everyone touched by this tragic situation held up in prayer, this shall include the alleged victim of this tragic situation," Marlin Mayor Carolyn Lofton said. "It’s time to put aside our indifferences and understand we all need each other in one form another, the darkness of this unfathomable tragic has proven this, justice and understanding will present itself and then fade away with healing time. We hope and pray that all who have been caught off-guard by this unthinkable sadness and rage find their answers of peace and solace to go forward to become the best and strongest person they can be. Although emotional shaken, and through the highs and lows the professional men and women of Marlin’s city workforce will still provide the public services needed to continue pushing Marlin forward to become an even better Marlin. We thank all of you for understanding the dynamics of this situation at this time. May God bless our community.”
Sodek had been appointed as Marlin Police chief last December. He took over for Mike Pesses, who had resigned. Sodek has also previously served as interim police chief in Rosebud.
Davis has a 30-year history with law enforcement and can fill the role of Interim Chief for up to 90 days. The city will post for the job of Police Chief on Friday and hope to have a candidate hired and on the job within 30 to 60 days.
A visitation fro Nathan Sodek will be held at Vista Community Church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. today , Aug. 29, and the service will begin after the visitation at 11 a.m. Pastor Keith Whitfield will be officiating. A cremation will follow the services.
Arrangements are entrusted to Crotty Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Belton.