Texas couple allegedly involved in prostitution conspiracy, collaborating with police to ‘compile information’ on mayor, other public officials

The Texas couple allegedly collaborated with the then-sworn police chief to “compile information” on numerous local public officials seen as adversaries.

GODLEY, Texas — A North Texas couple has been arrested after a Johnson and Somervell Counties District Attorney and Texas DPS joint investigation into ongoing criminal activity involving the couple and former members of the Godley Police Department. 

In a press release sent Wednesday, the district attorney said a search warrant was executed on March 31 at the home of Michael and Ashley Ketcherside, which resulted in the seizure of electronic devices and storage devices believed to be evidence for an ongoing prostitution conspiracy between the Ketchersides and numerous clients over the past five years. The alleged clients were not named in the release.

Additionally, however, evidence showed the Ketchersides collaborating with the then-sworn Chief of Police of the City of Godley, Matthew Cantrell, and other officers, the release stated. According to the DA’s release, the Godley Police Department allegedly conspired with the Ketchersides to “compile information on local public officials and private citizens perceived as adversaries.”

Among the officials known to be under investigation by the Ketchersides were members of the Godley City Council, the Godley ISD School Board, the former mayor of Godley, and the former Chief of Police of the City of Godley.

In a statement Wednesday, Godley ISD clarified that Ashley Ketcherside was never employed by the district.

“The individual referenced was never an employee of Godley ISD,” the district said. “She served briefly as a parent volunteer several years ago and was removed from that role after the district became aware of prior arrests. She was not an appointed member of the district’s School Health Advisory Council, though she attended one meeting. SHAC meetings are open to the public.”

The district added that it has no involvement in the current investigation and has not received any official information beyond what has been shared on local social media.

Mayor Christopher Lenker and city officials said in a statement to WFAA, “The City applauds the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office for their work in investigating and addressing the alleged criminal activity and will fully cooperate in the ongoing investigation.”

The DA said the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.