JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KLTV) - The Jacksonville Police Chief has been fired after what the city manager calls five years of “poor judgement.”

According to the Friday release from the city, Joe Williams has been relieved of his duty after five years in the role. In 2022, Williams was put on paid leave for about a month as the department conducted an investigation.

“Joe Williams was relieved of his duty as Chief of the Jacksonville Police Department on the afternoon of Thursday, January 9. Action was taken by James Hubbard, city manager, to end Williams’ service as police chief, after nearly five years in the role. ‘A pattern of poor judgement, disengagement, and disrespect culminated in my decision,’ said Hubbard, ‘I wish Mr. Williams well and look forward to naming a new chief that will provide the service and professionalism deserved by the department, organization, and community.’ Assistant Chief of Police, Steven Markasky, has been named acting chief of police. His leadership will ensure a smooth transition. Plans regarding the process to install a new police chief will be released later.”

Williams was on paid leave from Aug. 29 to Sept. 19, 2022, while an investigation was underway, though it was determined that the anonymous complaint lodged against Williams was “rife with numerous factually-unsupported conclusions, opinion and personal attacks.”

KLTV has reached out to Hubbard for further comment.