Fairchild arrested for Abuse of Official Capacity

LIBERTY – A longtime area law enforcement officer found himself on the other side of the law following his arrest on charges of Abuse of Official Capacity. 

Philip “Chip” Fairchild, 56, was booked in the Liberty County Jail on Friday, Oct. 27, and later released on a Personal Recognizance Bond the same day. 

According to a complaint filed in the 253rd District Court of Judge Chap Cain, Fairchild is accused of using access through the TLOXP database to conduct background investigations and profiting from the searches. 

According to the complaint filed on Monday, Oct. 30, Fairchild is accused of conducting investigations between November 2020 and May 2023. 

Fairchild resigned as Lieutenant from the Liberty Police Department earlier this year, contrary to some reports claiming he had retired from the department, according to city officials. 

According to a report by KPRC 2 Houston, a source told the Houston news station that Fairchild charged $50 per background check, and investigators have documented at least 79 background checks that he completed for pay. 

The Vindicator was able to speak with Fairchild. However, he advised that under the direction of his attorney, he had no comment at this time. He said he was working with an attorney out of Houston. 

The Texas Rangers have reportedly been investigating Fairchild since June, shortly after he exited the police department. 

The Vindicator will continue to follow this story closely and keep our readers updated as information is available.