In a text-message interview with Big Bend Times, Presidio County Commissioner Brenda Bentley expressed concern over the management of the Sheriff’s Office and Jail in Marfa, following the recent revelation of improper oil storage and neglected county property.
Previously, Big Bend Times had reported on the improper storage of used oil, assumed to be automotive fluids, behind the Sheriff’s Office. The containers were not labeled or properly sealed, and were left exposed to the elements. This is a potential violation of Environmental Protection Agency guidelines and could pose significant environmental risks.
In addition to this, county property was found stored outdoors, with trash scattered haphazardly around the area. The state of the facility raised serious questions about the standard of care and maintenance at the Sheriff’s Office.
In a conversation with Big Bend Times, Commissioner Bentley remarked, “They are poor managers of that facility. I’ve told them in public meetings that there’s poor management going on over there. The turnover rate was a big reason I said it. But your pictures of disposal tanks is just another.”
Big Bend Times expressed concern about the state of the Sheriff’s Office, stating that the problems observed outside of the building are likely a reflection of issues occurring internally. Responding to these comments, Bentley suggested, “The inside actually tends to be pretty clean. The cooks make amazing food.” However, she shared concerns about the management of the facility, particularly in the context of the Sheriff’s Office’s recent violations.
In a damning indictment of the office’s leadership, Bentley also noted that the problems extended beyond the Sheriff, “His administrator at the jail should be keeping up but she’s inept too,” she claimed.
Despite repeated efforts to contact Sheriff Danny Dominguez for comment, Big Bend Times has not received a response. Concerns over the potential environmental and public health risks posed by the storage of waste materials, as well as the condition of county property, continue to grow within the community.
It remains to be seen what actions will be taken to address the poor management, potential environmental hazards, and overall state of disrepair at the Sheriff’s Office and Jail in Marfa. With a growing call for accountability, the community awaits a response and immediate action.
