A criminal complaint has been filed against Lisa Dennison, an assistant in the Jeff Davis County Attorney’s office, alleging the misuse of confidential information and public shaming of a local reporter. The complaint has been submitted to the Sheriff and County Attorney for investigation, citing Dennison’s actions during a public confrontation at an Alpine bakery.
The incident occurred at the Bread Garden Bakery, where Dennison approached and confronted the reporter, claiming to have viewed a bodycam recording of him yelling at a police officer. She followed the reporter into the bakery, loudly reiterating her accusations in an attempt to shame him publicly. During the confrontation, Dennison mentioned that she had information about the reporter because she worked at the County Attorney’s office, raising concerns about her access to and misuse of confidential information.
This incident is connected to an earlier report filed by the same reporter on a traffic stop near Davis Mountains State Park. On September 15, 2023, the reporter witnessed State Park Police Officer Jacob Barton allowing an unlicensed driver to operate a potentially non-compliant vehicle through town, a decision that sparked public concern over safety and protocol. During the stop, the reporter, covering the scene for journalistic purposes, shouted to be heard after Officer Barton abruptly closed the door on him mid-sentence.
Despite the reporter’s professional conduct and lack of any law violations, Dennison’s confrontation at the bakery was based on her partial viewing of the bodycam footage. The complaint alleges that Dennison improperly accessed and disclosed confidential information, a violation of Texas Government Code Section 552.352. Under this law, an officer or employee of a governmental body commits an offense if they use confidential information for unauthorized purposes or disclose it to unauthorized individuals.
The complaint argues that Dennison’s actions constitute a misuse of confidential information, which is classified as a misdemeanor under Section 552.352. The law provides for penalties including a fine of up to $1,000, confinement in the county jail for up to six months, or both, for violations. Furthermore, the use of such information to confront and shame an individual in public, especially based on incomplete or misleading data, raises serious ethical concerns.
After the reporter filed a formal complaint against Officer Barton for his conduct during the traffic stop, threats of baseless charges were allegedly made against him. Dennison’s actions at the bakery, involving the unauthorized use and disclosure of the bodycam recording, appear to be part of this pattern of intimidation. This situation raises important questions about the handling of confidential records and the ethical responsibilities of public officials.
The reporter has urged an immediate investigation into Dennison’s conduct, calling for the Sheriff and County Attorney to examine the potential misuse of confidential information and to ensure adherence to the Texas Public Information Act. This case underscores the need for accountability and the proper safeguarding of private information within public offices.
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