Former Valley Mills Police Chief Arrested on Prostitution Charges

Cantrell and Omotoya also accused of gathering information on other public officials

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:18am

An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of this crime story.The arrest of a former police chief on prostitution charges exposes the dark underbelly of abuse of power within local law enforcement.Valley Mills Today

Matthew Cantrell, the former police chief of Valley Mills, Texas, and former officer Solomon Omotoya have been arrested and charged with prostitution. The charges also allege that Cantrell attempted to obtain information on other public officials.

Why it matters

The arrests of a former police chief and officer on prostitution charges raises concerns about abuse of power and corruption within local law enforcement. It also highlights the broader issue of prostitution and human trafficking, which can involve the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

The details

According to court documents, Cantrell and Omotoya were both fired from the Valley Mills Police Department in 2025 for improperly using city credit cards. They are now facing new charges, including prostitution and allegedly using fleet fuel credit cards while working for the Godley Police Department. The charges also allege that Cantrell attempted to obtain information on other public officials.

  • Cantrell and Omotoya were fired from the Valley Mills Police Department in 2025.
  • Cantrell was arrested on Tuesday for prostitution.

The players

Matthew Cantrell

The former police chief of Valley Mills, Texas, who has been arrested and charged with prostitution and attempting to obtain information on other public officials.

Solomon Omotoya

A former officer with the Valley Mills Police Department who has been charged with prostitution.

Ashley Ketcherside

A woman who is defending herself and her husband, Michael, as they face prostitution charges out of Godley, Texas. Cantrell and Omotoya are alleged to have been involved with the Ketchersides' prostitution operation.

Michael Ketcherside

The husband of Ashley Ketcherside, who is also facing prostitution charges out of Godley, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“I feel that two consenting adults should be allowed to do what — whatever it is they want to,”

— Ashley Ketcherside, Accused of prostitution

“Absolutely not. No,”

— Ashley Ketcherside

“He's a great husband, an amazing father to my three kids, and I believe in the justice system,”

— Ashley Ketcherside

What’s next

The case against Cantrell and Omotoya is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the charges will be resolved. The investigation into the alleged prostitution operation and the use of public resources for personal gain is likely to continue.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious ethical and legal issues that can arise when law enforcement officials abuse their power and engage in criminal activities. It underscores the importance of strong oversight and accountability within local police departments to prevent such abuses from occurring.