A former Mesquite police chief engaged in a lengthy legal battle with the city has been criminally charged in Mesquite Justice Court, despite the city recently agreeing to a $1.4 million legal settlement with him, according to court records.

MaQuade Chesley was fired from the city in January 2025 amid allegations of misconduct that Chesley denied. The city informed Chesley in writing at the time that one of the allegations accused him of making an unauthorized recording in June of 2024.

According to Mesquite Justice Court records, a criminal complaint was filed against Chesley on April 20, charging him with felony monitoring or attempting to monitor a private conversation.…