Hays County Records Raise Questions About Public Office and Private Entities
In 2025, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra publicly dismissed reporting that raised questions about private business and nonprofit entities connected to his household and urged residents not to engage with it. Those questions trace back more than a decade and are supported by public records, including lease arrangements involving a local news outlet and the use of county property for events tied to those entities—records that continue to raise issues of disclosure, transparency, and the public’s right to know in Hays County.
Abby Gibson Runs for Hays County Commissioner as County Growth Accelerates
As Hays County continues to grow, Abby Gibson has entered the race for County Commissioner, Precinct 2, citing a results-driven approach to local government rooted in operational experience, civic leadership, and long-term planning rather than political distraction.
Texas Meme Case Ends at Examining Trial, Now Heads to Federal Court
A Granbury Navy veteran is asking a federal judge to halt further prosecution after a Texas court found no probable cause to support a felony charge tied to a satirical political meme posted during a local school board election.
Records Show Caldwell County Corrections Officer Discussed Homicide With Inmates
Internal jail records show that in the weeks following Lockhart’s first homicide of 2025, sensitive details of the case were discussed in a place they were never meant to surface, inside the Caldwell County Jail. Surveillance reviews and disciplinary findings describe a corrections officer sharing information from an active murder investigation with inmates, conduct supervisors later warned could have put the accused at risk and compromised jail safety.
TABC Agent Collected Education Stipend Based on Degree He Did Not Hold
A Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission enforcement agent was fired after internal investigators concluded he falsely claimed a graduate degree to qualify for an education stipend, according to agency records. The dismissal followed an Office of Inspector General investigation and years of documented disciplinary actions.
Hays County Judge Race Expands as Commissioner Michelle Gutierrez Cohen Enters Democratic Primary
Commissioner Michelle Gutierrez Cohen has announced she is running for Hays County judge, making the 2026 Democratic primary a three-way race while a Republican challenger has also filed.
Joel Martin Announces 2026 Run for Hays County Judge
Joel Martin is entering the race for Hays County Judge with a platform centered on modernizing county operations and rebuilding internal culture. Martin — a former police officer, reserve deputy, and business owner — says he’s running to strengthen the county workforce, improve consumer protections, modernize emergency preparedness, and bring greater financial and operational transparency to residents. His announcement frames the campaign as a push for servant leadership at a time when Hays County is facing rapid growth and complex infrastructure demands.
Comal County Records Detail Alleged Misuse of Government Email Before Case Dismissal
A 2025 petition filed in Comal County sought the removal of Commissioner Jennifer Crownover, alleging misuse of government email and other public resources during the 2022 election cycle. Although a district judge dismissed the case as moot—citing Crownover’s November 22, 2022 re-election—the detailed filings raise broader questions about ethical boundaries, transparency, and the use of public systems in political campaigns. The petition, now public record, includes more than forty exhibits offering an unusual inside look at how official communication channels were allegedly used during a heated local race.
A Photo, a Joke, and a Firing: Inside One of Comal County’s Most Unusual Discipline Decisions
A deputy lost his 17-year career over a single photo that revealed no badge, no name, and no clear agency identity. Now, internal records show how the Sheriff’s Office justified the firing—and why the decision is raising new questions about selective enforcement and image control inside the agency.
Backwoods Icehouse Fight Sparks Texas Rangers Investigation
A violent parking lot brawl outside Backwoods Icehouse has unraveled into a multi-agency investigation involving two peace officers—one terminated and another facing charges. Newly released jail documents detail what happened that night.