Former Harris Co. lawman charged with exposure

By DALE LEZON HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Nov. 17, 2009, 12:11PM

A former Harris County deputy constable wanted for exposing himself to two young girls is expected to surrender to authorities today, officials said.

Charles David Easterling, a former officer with the Precinct 8 constable's office, is charged with indecency with a child by exposure, a third-degree felony, said Donna Hawkins, spokeswoman for the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

Hawkins said a warrant has been issued for his arrest and he is expected to turn himself in to police today.

The 24-year department veteran quit his job Friday when the allegations surfaced, Hawkins said.

"It's always disheartening when you're notified that one of your employees is under investigation," Precinct 8 Chief Deputy Constable Phil Sandlin said.

Hawkins said that a 14-year old girl and her friend were playing basketball outside an elementary school near the girl's home when they saw Easterling standing in his unfenced yard nude and staring at them on Saturday.

The girl called her mother, who went outside their home and also saw Easterling nude.

If convicted, Easterling faces between two and 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, Hawkins said.

dale.lezon@chron.com