By AMANDA KIMBLE
TheFlashToday.com
ERATH COUNTY (December 13, 2016) – On Tuesday, Erath County Sheriff Tommy Bryant went on record, saying he is not aware of any investigation against him. In speaking with a local media outlet, the sheriff rebutted allegations that have been made across social media – and by fellow officials – for months.
Meanwhile, multiple sources – current and former local law enforcement officials speaking under anonymity – confirmed they and/or coworkers had been contacted in connection with the investigation.
“I knew nothing about it,” Bryant later told The Flash. “I have not been contacted by TCOLE, and I was not aware that current or former employees have been interviewed.”
Hours after the news broke, Bryant confirmed an ongoing investigation by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
“I am now (aware) because I called TCOLE (after speaking with another media outlet this morning),” Bryant said. “There is an investigation, and they said that was because I had called them to tell them what had happened.”
Not naming the person in question, Bryant said he reported an incident involving a former employee to TCOLE officials earlier this year. Bryant made the call to the commission after learning that a deputy had taken a state required continuing education exam for him.
“I didn’t even know it until after the fact,” Bryant said. “I didn’t think it was a big deal, he was trying to do me a favor.”
Sources say the investigation, which has been ongoing for some time, relates to multiple licensed peace officers in Erath County. During telephone conversations with The Flash, a representative of TCOLE has referenced the case on multiple occasions.
On November 8, The Flash contacted TCOLE seeking information on a case into alleged misconduct by individuals at the Erath County Sheriff’s Office, specifically naming two officials. The requests were made via telephone and backed up by requests for public information sent electronically to TCOLE, which is charged with the training, policing and setting of standards – legal and ethical – for police officers.
Requests for public information allow a 10-day response window, and The Flash reached out again to TCOLE regarding the case when time had elapsed. The delay was attributed to personnel changes which caused a backlog of requests, and the “sizable case file” being reviewed by TCOLE attorneys to request certain information on the ongoing investigation be withheld.
On December 2, TCOLE submitted a 15-day briefing on the case, referencing The Flash’s request for information, to the office of Attorney General Ken Paxton. TCOLE requested information related to the “active and ongoing criminal investigation” be withheld.
“The information reveals or tends to reveal the identity of the complainant and witnesses supplying information to TCOLE regarding violations of Texas law by a TCOLE licensee,” the briefing states.
Speaking via telephone, a representative of TCOLE said there were a number of witnesses named and interviewed in connection with the ongoing investigation.
On Tuesday, The Flash reached out to county officials, asking about the investigation.
“Erath County Commissioners Court has not been made officially aware of an investigation,” County Judge Tab Thompson said. “In the event that we are made aware of some sort of official findings, we will be forthcoming with that information.”
The Flash will update further when TCOLE releases more information on the investigation and case.
Is there any updates?