Posted 8:39 pm Monday, February 13, 2012
UPDATE: Deputy Constables, Chief Deputy Charged With Running Security Company Without A License
Updated Monday, February 13, 2012 at 7:36 p.m. CST
UPDATE: Rust's chief deputy Thomas Burns was arrested on the same class A misdemeanor charge of operating a security company without a license later Monday.
Updated Monday, February 13, 2012 at 4:32 p.m. CST
Smith County Precinct 3 Deputy Constables Monty Ward, Mark Pierce, Justin Stockwell have been arrested and charged with operating a private security company without a license. Chief Deputy Thomas Burns is wanted on an outstanding warrant on the same charge.
The charge is a Class A misdemeanor.
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The charge is a Class A misdemeanor.
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By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer
Texas Department of Public Safety officers have conducted a search warrant at Precinct 3 Constable Dustin Rust's office this morning and arrested multiple deputies after a lengthy investigation by the agency's Private Security Division.
Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham has confirmed information that several arrests were made this morning at the office. Sources are telling the Tyler Morning Telegraph that all of the office's computers were taken during the raid.
However, Bingham was in a plea hearing this afternoon on another case and could not immediately elaborate on the details.
DPS Sgt. Richard Brown refused to comment on the investigation last week and referred all questions to Bingham's office.
But Bingham refused to confirm or deny reports that Rust and his office were being investigated by the DPS.
Bingham did say he ordered Rust to cease all investigations into alleged wrongdoing by Whitehouse officials.
“I felt there was a conflict, and I am talking about who Rust knows. I told them to cease their investigation and to bring the case files to my office. I then contacted the Texas Rangers and asked for the case to be investigated by them,” he said.
Rust initiated an investigation into Whitehouse Fire Chief Ronny Fite and Police Chief Rick Waller for alleged financial irregularities and other undisclosed allegations.
Former Precinct Constable deputies James Lee and James Stewart said last week they had been questioned by Brown in reference to allegations into Rust's office.
Smith County commissioners denied Rust extra funds in July after the constable asked for more monies for fuel.
When asked by newspaper last week about the investigation Rust replied, “I don't know what you are talking about.”
Updated Monday, February 13, 2012 at 2:28 p.m. CST
Staff Writer
Texas Department of Public Safety officers have conducted a search warrant at Precinct 3 Constable Dustin Rust's office this morning and arrested multiple deputies after a lengthy investigation by the agency's Private Security Division.
Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham has confirmed information that several arrests were made this morning at the office. Sources are telling the Tyler Morning Telegraph that all of the office's computers were taken during the raid.
However, Bingham was in a plea hearing this afternoon on another case and could not immediately elaborate on the details.
DPS Sgt. Richard Brown refused to comment on the investigation last week and referred all questions to Bingham's office.
But Bingham refused to confirm or deny reports that Rust and his office were being investigated by the DPS.
Bingham did say he ordered Rust to cease all investigations into alleged wrongdoing by Whitehouse officials.
“I felt there was a conflict, and I am talking about who Rust knows. I told them to cease their investigation and to bring the case files to my office. I then contacted the Texas Rangers and asked for the case to be investigated by them,” he said.
Rust initiated an investigation into Whitehouse Fire Chief Ronny Fite and Police Chief Rick Waller for alleged financial irregularities and other undisclosed allegations.
Former Precinct Constable deputies James Lee and James Stewart said last week they had been questioned by Brown in reference to allegations into Rust's office.
Smith County commissioners denied Rust extra funds in July after the constable asked for more monies for fuel.
When asked by newspaper last week about the investigation Rust replied, “I don't know what you are talking about.”
Updated Monday, February 13, 2012 at 2:28 p.m. CST
