Page 1 of 1

Lost the sheriff last night

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:13 am
by KD5NRH
Going to be one rough Christmas for the family and the department.

http://theflashtoday.com/2016/12/20/era ... dead-home/
ERATH COUNTY (December 20, 2016) – Sheriff Tommy Bryant is gone. The Erath County Sheriff was found dead inside his home of a reported self-inflicted gunshot wound, law enforcement officials reported Tuesday morning.
Bryant, who was first elected to the office of sheriff in 1997 by Erath County voters, has said numerous times in the past that he was grateful to the residents of this county for the chance to serve them. And this year, he was elected to continue holding the seat another four years.
However, just last week, The Flash brought you news of an ongoing TCOLE investigation into the sheriff’s department. And while no one was yet named in that investigation, Bryant himself started the investigation by self-reporting a discrepancy with testing and certifications.
Bryant is survived by his wife, Donnie, and son, Thom Allen, and a host of his law enforcement family.

Re: Lost the sheriff last night

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:22 am
by C-dub
Very unfortunate. I am greatly saddened for the family.

Now, it makes me wonder just how much trouble he really would have been in. It couldn't possibly have been that bad.

Re: Lost the sheriff last night

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:34 am
by KD5NRH
C-dub wrote:Now, it makes me wonder just how much trouble he really would have been in. It couldn't possibly have been that bad.
For the part that I've heard about, virtually none; seems while he was out of town, one of the deputies found out he was behind on his training hours, logged in as him and took an online class to catch him up. He reported it when he found out, so there's no indication he was part of the actual violation other than not keeping up with his CE credits.

Re: Lost the sheriff last night

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 1:59 pm
by AJSully421
KD5NRH wrote:
C-dub wrote:Now, it makes me wonder just how much trouble he really would have been in. It couldn't possibly have been that bad.
For the part that I've heard about, virtually none; seems while he was out of town, one of the deputies found out he was behind on his training hours, logged in as him and took an online class to catch him up. He reported it when he found out, so there's no indication he was part of the actual violation other than not keeping up with his CE credits.
There is no way... missing CE credits is a slap on the wrist fine (At least it is for Insurance licenses). Even if another Deputy did something, it should not blow back on the Sheriff, even if he ordered it, I am sure that it would be some sort of fine, maybe a probation, possibly a suspension or revocation of his LEO license, but that is not worth it.

This is bizarre.

Prayers for his family and the department.

Re: Lost the sheriff last night

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 2:53 pm
by Jusme
Truly saddened to hear about this, I agree, for a self reported violation, that would probably not amount to much, I can't believe that this was the reason. There may have been other issues in his life that triggered this. Prayers sent for his family and friends.

Re: Lost the sheriff last night

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 4:04 pm
by nightmare69

Re: Lost the sheriff last night

Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 10:34 am
by KD5NRH
And today...

http://theflashtoday.com/2016/12/21/int ... officials/
ERATH COUNTY (December 21, 2016) – A little more than 24 hours after Erath County Sheriff Tommy Bryant was found dead inside his home, at least three of his top-ranking employees were suspended.

Bryant died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Tuesday morning. A source close to the case, who asked to not be named, said Bryant’s chief deputy and next in command, Jason Upshaw, was among those suspended by interim Sheriff Matt Coates.

Coates was sworn into office Tuesday after an emergency meeting of Erath County Commissioners, who deliberated the appointment for the better part of a day in closed session Monday.

The source said Deputy Weldon Wilson, Cpt. Randy Fowler and Lt. Bobby Mendez were also suspended. Upshaw, Fowler and Mendez were a part of the sheriff’s criminal investigation division.

Re: Lost the sheriff last night

Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 2:12 pm
by nightmare69
I have a feeling the Texas Rangers will be stepping in on this investigation soon.

Re: Lost the sheriff last night

Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 2:56 pm
by KD5NRH
nightmare69 wrote:I have a feeling the Texas Rangers will be stepping in on this investigation soon.
As I understand it, they already are. I think everyone really wants it sorted out quickly, so anyone not involved can get back to work ASAP. Three deputies off patrol and a sudden change of sheriff is a big impact for the department.