On January 1, 2025, the citizens of Fannin County were stunned by the news that one present and two previously elected county officials were indicted for theft of more than $150,000 but less than $300,000. The offenses occurred on September 9, 2021. This is a serious issue for Fannin County.

How did all this happen? During efforts to investigate the reasons for substandard work on the courthouse and
substantial cost overruns, investigators discovered evidence that led them to believe that criminal activities were involved in the restoration project. The evidence led to the indictments of the three individuals.

Two things I want to point out:
1. The three men indicted have not been proven guilty by a jury; and
2. The evidence leading to the indictments was reviewed by 12 members of the Grand Jury. The Grand Jury
ruled that the evidence was compelling enough to issue the indictments.

Point number two, above, carries significant weight in how I think about the three indictees, relative to their
trustworthiness.

Ultimately, one of three things will happen:
1. They will be found guilty by a jury of 12;
2. They will admit guilt, in exchange for a plea deal; or
3. They will be exonerated.

However, in the meantime, I believe the indicted individual who currently holds an elected county position
should be honorable enough to resign his position and conduct no business with Fannin County. If he is found
innocent in a court of law, he should be allowed to run for a county office after a verdict of innocence. The former county officials should be barred from doing any business with the county, unless and until they are exonerated of the charges.

Another aspect of the issuance of the indictments is that social media is blowing-up with opinions about the indictments. I have seen threads of related posts attempting to villainize the law enforcement community for timing and motives for the indictments. The indictments came at the end of the year, due to the fact that the deposition of the current elected official was only just completed in December. He was unwilling to cooperate earlier in the year, as did all the other elected officials. As a result, “Rule 202” came into play in December, requiring the current official, by law, to give his deposition. His deposition was completed just days before the Grand Jury met on December 19. Folks, it is the duty of our county officials and law enforcement to investigate and pursue evidence, when criminal activity is suspected! A Grand Jury of 12 members listened to the evidence, reviewed the documents presented to them and decided that there was sufficient evidence and probable cause to issue indictments. Don’t shoot the messengers! Don’t blame law enforcement!

I commend the elected officials who discovered this potential criminal activity…the Grand Jury agreed with them. I am optimistic that the District Attorney’s Office will vehemently prosecute this case. Please be vocal
with the DA’s office, and let them know the importance of getting justice. Taxpayers’ money was stolen from us, and individuals must be held accountable! I am reminded of a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. which states, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Even right here in Fannin County…