Karnes County Jail Probe Ends With Administrator Fired Over Contraband, Records, Oversight Issues
An internal investigation into the Karnes County Jail found drugs detected inside the facility, ammunition and a knife in the administrator’s desk, and missing inmate records and money—issues investigators said pointed to a breakdown in operations. Officials wrote the case was “a culmination of management and operational failures,” not a single incident, citing problems with supervision, documentation, and compliance with jail standards. The findings ultimately led to the administrator’s termination, concluding he failed to maintain “full responsibility for the management and operational control of the jail.”
DPS Trooper Suspended After Investigation Finds Sexual Comments, Inappropriate Conduct
An internal Texas DPS investigation found a trooper made repeated sexual comments and unprofessional remarks, including telling a coworker he wished they would “slip on a banana peel, bump his head, and become gay like [him].” Investigators sustained the allegations, citing admissions and corroborating interviews that led to a suspension.
From Traffic Stop to “I Love You” Calls: Texas Trooper Suspended After Jail Visit
A Texas state trooper was suspended after investigators uncovered a relationship that began with a traffic stop and escalated into a jailhouse meeting, recorded calls, and promises of help. Surveillance video shows the trooper entering a restricted area to meet the inmate, who immediately asked, “How are you allowed to come here?” Hours later, recorded calls captured the two exchanging “I love you” while he discussed contacting her family and helping with an attorney—much of it while he was on duty.
State Pharmacy Law Enforcement Supervisor Disciplined Over Comments During Hiring Process
A disciplinary record released this month shows a Texas State Board of Pharmacy law enforcement supervisor was reprimanded after making a series of remarks during job interviews, including referring to himself as a “paperwork Nazi,” describing the position as a “great retirement job,” and telling applicants he once “watched Netflix” for months while waiting on cases. The file includes witness statements and the supervisor’s own written response, where he acknowledges several comments, admits he “should not have” made some of them in that setting, and questioned whether employees are expected to be “clairvoyant” to avoid offending coworkers. He also defended a remark about a colleague’s tattoo, writing that if someone “doesn’t want someone to ask about her body art, then she should cover it up,” noting it was visible “on her foot.” Officials concluded the conduct—made in front of applicants—undermined the hiring process, created potential liability for the agency, and raised concerns about professionalism.
Bandera County Justice of the Peace Publicly Admonished by State Commission
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued a public admonition against Bandera County Justice of the Peace Michael Towers following findings of misconduct tied to the handling of an eviction case. The Commission determined that Towers proceeded in a matter despite lacking jurisdiction and later engaged in an improper ex parte communication that affected the outcome of the case. As part of the disciplinary action, Towers was also ordered to complete additional education focused on eviction law.
Newly Released TPWD Records Detail Termination of Game Warden Serving as Huntington ISD Board President
Newly released records from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department detail the termination of a longtime Game Warden while also confirming he was serving as president of the Huntington ISD school board at the time. The investigative file shows text messages sent from a state-issued phone, including exchanges identified as being with “J. Eddins,” listed as Justin C. Eddins, a Game Warden later indicted in October 2025. Wood, through his attorney, referenced a 2024 conversation with a brother-in-law, but that explanation does not align with the contact identified in the records. After reporting by The Hawk’s Eye brought the case to wider attention, Wood later resigned from his position as Huntington ISD board president, citing the situation as a distraction.
Hays County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy Earns Zero-Deficiency Audit
A comprehensive state audit found the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy in full compliance with all regulatory standards, with no deficiencies identified during the review.
Transparency Test: Comal County’s Block List Raises Free‑Speech Concern
The Hawk’s Eye obtained the Comal County Sheriff’s Office block list through an open‑records request. It shows more than 50 accounts barred from the department’s social‑media pages, prompting questions about transparency and free speech at a time when law enforcement uses these platforms to reach the public. Our report looks at the list’s implications in light of recent Supreme Court and Fifth Circuit rulings on officials blocking critics online.
Wilson County Deputy Reprimanded After Politically Motivated Workplace Comment
A Wilson County Sheriff’s Office deputy received a written reprimand after making a workplace comment referencing the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk, which coworkers described as discriminatory and politically motivated. Internal records show the remark was made inside the county jail and later supported by witness statements. The deputy acknowledged making the comment but disputed how it was characterized.
Comal County Constable Claimed TCOLE Audit “Passed,” Preliminary Review Found Deficiencies Later Corrected
Comal County Precinct 4 Constable Alice “Ali” Flores publicly stated her office “passed” a TCOLE audit, but records released after a delay show the review began with deficiencies in her own personnel file. The preliminary audit identified missing required documentation, including a criminal history check and fingerprint return, which were corrected only after auditors flagged them. In a five-person office where just three files were reviewed, the only file with multiple deficiencies belonged to the elected official who later described the audit as a success. The audit was ultimately closed after compliance was achieved, raising questions about how the outcome was presented to the public.