The owner of The Mint, a restaurant and bar in downtown Killeen, said City Council candidate Camron Cochran trespassed into several of his businesses on Friday for allegedly harassing him.
CJ Nickens, owner of several downtown businesses including the Mint, posted a video Friday that appeared to show Cochran being cited for trespassing on property.
“Camron Cochran has decided to publicly attack downtown businesses with false reviews and claims for not supporting his campaign. As a result, multiple businesses have issued trespass charges. Nickens said in a Facebook message to the Herald.
Nickens said Cochran used “dishonest and immature tactics” to break into six different businesses downtown.
Cochran accused the city of political pandering Friday by taking photos of several businesses, including the Mint, and holding signs supporting City Council members, including Ramon Alvarez, who is running for re-election.
In Cochrane's Facebook posts, political signs are censored with yellow blocks.
There was also a Yelp review made of the Mint by a person named “Camron C” on Friday. It says, “Not good at all. I do not recommend this scary place. It's right next to a prison.”
“During the spring night market, he (Cochran) stated that he was not happy with 'too many signs' in my window,” Nickens said. “Camron Cochran was allowed to place his election card at the Killeen Mint, but his request to place a campaign sign above Councilman Alvarez was denied. I have taken Camron Cochran downtown to talk with other business owners as a way to get a better understanding of who he is. He has always been greeted with respect and kindness. Several other businesses attacked by Cochran and his campaign tactics also plan to file CT (trespassing) orders against him. He is not welcome in most businesses downtown.”
Nickens told the Herald that Cochran will likely be cited by more businesses for trespassing by Monday.
Police Chief Pete Lopez Jr. said he would neither confirm nor deny that this happened.
“While we understand the concerns and concerns regarding these situations, as law enforcement officials, we are committed to strict protocols and procedures governing disclosure, especially when the incident could influence voters' decisions about candidates.” “It's important to recognize that you are being held captive 'in the Killeen City elections,'” Lopez said.
Cochran did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment Saturday.
