EASTLAND COUNTY, Texas — UPDATE: The Eastland County District Attorney's Office released a statement Thursday morning regarding the resignation of Sheriff Chad Roberts.
According to the DA's office, on Jan. 21, 2021, allegations of misconduct by former Ranger City Manager Chad Roberts regarding public information requests under the Texas Open Records Act were submitted to the Criminal District Attorney's Office through the City of Ranger’s legal counsel.
The allegations of misconduct happened while Roberts was employed by Ranger as City Manager/Chief of Police. The Criminal District Attorney's Office, through its elected District Attorney Russ Thomason, followed state protocol and requested the assistance of the Texas Rangers.
After a preliminary investigation, Texas Ranger Jason Shea of Brownwood was assigned for the limited purpose of reviewing the open record violations and related matters that occurred during Robert’s tenure as the Ranger City Manager/Police Chief.
During the course of the investigation, Shea met with Roberts at the Eastland County Sheriff’s Office. During the interview regarding the allegations, Roberts admitted that he had made errors in judgment and because of his love for the county and his family, he would voluntarily resign from office and permanently surrender his Texas Peace Officer’s License.
In light of that decision, Shea after consultation with the district attorney, recommended that the investigation be closed without further investigation and prosecution.
No allegations of misconduct have been made regarding Robert’s term as Eastland County Sheriff.
The resignation of the elected sheriff is an agenda item for the Eastland County Commissioner’s Court on May 24, 2021
ORIGINAL STORY: Eastland County's Sheriff Chad Roberts has resigned, effective Monday, May 24.
In a letter to the county's citizens, Roberts cited an error in judgment that happened when he was employed by the City of Ranger.
"I take full responsibility for that. No allegations of wrongdoing have been made against me during my term as your Sheriff. Despite rumors, I have not been arrested or indicted," Roberts said in the letter.
No further details were given.
This is a developing story. More information will be posted as it is received.
