Johnson named acting Amarillo police chief after Birkenfeld letter controversy

The leadership of the Amarillo Police Department is in flux after city officials confirmed that Assistant Police Chief Jimmy Johnson has been named acting police chief. This decision follows mounting controversy surrounding Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld, who is under scrutiny for writing a letter in support of a convicted sex offender.

While the city has not officially announced any disciplinary action against Birkenfeld, the Amarillo City Council has scheduled a special meeting for Friday, February 21, at 8 a.m. to discuss his future. The agenda lists only one item: “Discuss the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee: Chief of Police Martin Birkenfeld.”

Although the meeting will take place behind closed doors in an executive session, the decision to convene such a discussion suggests that city leaders see the matter as serious.

The Letter That Sparked Controversy

The controversy centers around a January 3 letter written by Birkenfeld to Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who was presiding over the sentencing of Cole Underwood, the former Perryton ISD Athletic Director and head football coach. Underwood pleaded guilty to enticement and attempted enticement of a minor after sexually abusing a 15-year-old Perryton High School student.

Federal prosecutors presented damning evidence, including surveillance footage and digital records, which showed Underwood systematically groomed the victim over several months. He used his authority as a coach and school official to isolate the student, assaulting her multiple times in his office.

During the sentencing hearing, the victim bravely shared a statement detailing the manipulation and trauma she endured.

“I had no idea that he was slowly in the process of grooming me, I genuinely thought that he actually cared about me… He convinced me to shut everyone out. I felt like I seriously had no one but him.”

Despite the gravity of Underwood’s crimes, Birkenfeld’s letter urged the court to consider his past contributions to the community. The police chief acknowledged that Underwood was guilty but emphasized his history of public service—particularly his role in Perryton’s 2022 tornado recovery efforts.

“I was shocked to learn of [Underwood’s] offense and saddened when I learned that [Underwood] was guilty,” Birkenfeld wrote.

The letter went on to note that federal sentencing guidelines are not mandatory and encouraged the judge to weigh the “totality of the circumstances.”

Public Backlash and the City’s Response

After the letter was revealed in federal court, it sparked an immediate backlash from the community, local officials, and victim advocacy groups. Critics argue that Birkenfeld’s involvement—regardless of intent—undermines public trust in law enforcement and sends the wrong message about how serious child exploitation cases should be treated.

The Amarillo Police Department (APD) quickly issued a statement, attempting to distance itself from the letter:

“The letter was written by Martin Birkenfeld during his personal time and does not represent the Amarillo Police Department, nor does he make any mention of his position within the PD.”

However, many community members remain unconvinced, questioning whether a sitting police chief can truly separate personal opinions from his professional responsibilities.

Community and Victim Advocacy Reactions

Several victim advocacy groups have voiced strong disapproval of Birkenfeld’s actions. They argue that law enforcement officials should stand unequivocally with victims and that even a personal show of support for an offender—especially one convicted of sexually exploiting a minor—compromises the credibility of the justice system.

“This is not about whether or not Underwood was a good person in other aspects of his life,” said one local advocate. “This is about a police chief using his voice to ask for leniency for a predator who destroyed a child’s life.”

The victim’s statement also resonated with many in the community, particularly her message to others who might be experiencing abuse:

“I hope if there is a girl out there who is going through what I have been through, she has the chance to hear my story to know it’s okay to speak up. There are people who want to help.”

The public outcry has put increased pressure on the Amarillo City Council to take decisive action in Friday’s meeting.

What Happens Next?

While it remains unclear what the City Council will decide regarding Birkenfeld’s employment, the fact that they have scheduled an executive session specifically to discuss his future suggests that all options—including suspension or dismissal—are on the table.

As of now, Assistant Chief Jimmy Johnson will lead the department in an acting capacity. Johnson, a long-time APD officer, will be tasked with maintaining stability within the department as city leaders navigate the ongoing controversy.

Birkenfeld, who has served with the APD since 1990, became the city’s 13th Chief of Police in 2021. His extensive tenure and leadership record will likely play a role in the Council’s deliberations.

For now, Amarillo residents are watching closely, waiting to see how their elected leaders will handle the controversy—and what it will mean for the future of their police department.