Downtown business owner says council candidate Cochran broke into multiple businesses | Policy Center
The owner of Mint, a restaurant and bar in downtown Killeen, said City Council candidate Camron Cochran criminally trespassed several businesses on Friday, allegedly engaging in harassment.
CJ Nickens, owner of several downtown businesses including the Mint, posted a video of Cochran on Friday that appeared to show him receiving a citation for trespassing.
“Camron Cochran decided to publicly attack downtown businesses for not supporting his campaign with false criticism and claims; resulting in criminal trespass citations being issued by multiple businesses,” Nickens said in a Facebook message to the Herald.
Nickens said Cochran broke into six different businesses downtown, using “dishonest and immature tactics.”
Cochran on Friday took photos of several businesses, including the Mint, and accused it of political encouragement by having signs supporting board members, including Ramon Alvarez, who is running for re-election.
In Cochran’s Facebook post, political signs are censored with a yellow block.
There was also a Yelp review done on Friday for the Mint by someone named “Camron C.” which said: “It’s not good at all. I wouldn’t recommend this scary place. It’s located next to a prison.”
“During the Spring Night Market, he (Cochran) stated that he was not happy with me for having ‘too many signs’ in my window,” Nickens said. “Camron Cochran was allowed to place his campaign card at the Killeen Mint, but his request to place his campaign sign was denied above Councilman Alvarez. I personally followed Camron Cochran around downtown to talk to other business owners as a means of developing his understanding of what is developing in the area. He was always received with respect and kindness. Several other businesses that have been attacked by Camron Cochran and his campaign tactics will also issue CT (criminal trespass) orders against him. He is not welcome in most downtown businesses.
Nickens told the Herald that by Monday, Cochran will likely be charged with breaking into more businesses.
Police Chief Pete Lopez Jr. said he would neither confirm nor deny that this happened.
“While recognizing the understandable concern and concern regarding these circumstances, it is crucial to recognize that, as law enforcement officials, we are subject to strict protocols and procedures governing the release of information, especially when the incident could potentially impact a voter’s decision regarding a candidate. in the city of Killeen elections,” Lopez said.
A phone call and email to Cochran seeking comment were not returned Saturday.
