BONHAM, TX - First News has learned that Bonham fire chief Bill Palya has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation that now involves state officials.

Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd says he was notified yesterday afternoon by City Manager Corby Alexander that fire chief Bill Palya has been placed on paid administrative leave.

According to Alexander, Palya is being investigated by the Texas Rangers. Alexander tells us allegations have been made, and that the city is looking into them. He adds no criminal charges have been filed at this time, and that the matter remains under investigation.

Alexander would not say what the allegations are, pending the outcome of the investigation, and says right now Palya has not been convicted of anything.

"One thing that makes this country great is that you're innocent to proven guilty," Alexander said Wednesday.

Palya has been Bonham's fire chief since he joined the department nearly five years ago. Mayor Roy Floyd says Palya has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation that now involves state officials.

"There have been allegations. Unproved allegations," Floyd says.

Floyd won't comment on the specifics of those allegations against Chief Palya.

"I cannot get into that. In fact I don't really know all of that. The city manager would know that," he said.

But City Manager Corby Alexander won't say what the allegations are either.

"It's really a personnel issue that I don't feel at liberty to comment on at this point."

Alexander does say that Texas Rangers are now a part of the investigation, and that Palya will remain on paid administrative leave. Both the Mayor and City Manager say they want to hold judgment until the case is closed.

"I just felt it was in the best interest of the fire chief, as well as the department and the city to put him on administrative leave while we look into those allegations," Alexander says.

"Until he's proven guilty, he has my full support."

Alexander would not comment on how long the investigation could last. As for Palya, he did not return our requests for an interview.