Jeff Davis County’s leadership is facing growing criticism for a pattern of mismanagement, misuse of public funds, and a lack of accountability. Key officials, including County Attorney Glen Eisen, Chief Deputy Jerry Walker, Justice of the Peace Mary Ann Luedecke, County Judge Curtis Evans, Deputy King Merritt, and Lisa Dennison, an assistant in the County Attorney’s office, have all been implicated in incidents that raise serious concerns about the county’s ability to govern effectively.
Public Funds Mismanagement: Fort Davis Chamber’s Incomplete Website
The Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce’s website, which was funded with over $100,000 in hotel occupancy tax (HOT) dollars, has become a glaring example of financial mismanagement. Intended to be a hub for promoting local tourism and business, the website is incomplete, outdated, and missing crucial information. The community calendar lacks details about upcoming events, and local businesses are either misrepresented or omitted entirely.
Despite offers to rebuild the website at no cost, including one from the publisher of Big Bend Times, no action has been taken to rectify the situation. The failure to maintain a functional, accurate website undermines tourism efforts and hurts local businesses, leading to questions about how the county and Chamber have handled these crucial funds.
Breach of Confidentiality and Legal Misconduct
Lisa Dennison, an assistant in County Attorney Glen Eisen’s office, is at the center of a criminal complaint alleging misuse of confidential information. Dennison publicly confronted and shamed a local reporter, claiming to have seen bodycam footage of him during a traffic stop. This incident highlights serious ethical concerns, as Dennison’s access to this information came from her role in the county attorney’s office.
Eisen, who admitted to a breach of confidentiality within his office, has done little to implement safeguards or address the situation publicly. Additionally, Eisen has refused to recuse himself from handling legal matters involving David Flash, the same reporter who had filed civil claims against the county months before receiving a retaliatory traffic citation from Deputy King Merritt.
Aggression and Intimidation by Law Enforcement and Officials
Chief Deputy Jerry Walker’s aggressive behavior has been another source of concern. In April 2024, Walker confronted Flash at the courthouse, shouting and threatening to arrest him despite Flash’s calm demeanor. This incident highlights Walker’s tendency to escalate situations unnecessarily and reinforces the perception that law enforcement in Jeff Davis County is more focused on intimidation than professionalism.
Deputy King Merritt has also engaged in questionable conduct. Merritt pulled Flash over without clear cause and threatened him. When Flash questioned the validity of the stop, Merritt escalated the situation by issuing a retaliatory traffic citation. This action appears to have been an attempt to intimidate Flash following his previous reporting on county issues, contributing to a broader pattern of harassment and misuse of authority by county law enforcement.
Leadership Failures: Judge Curtis Evans and the Firing of EMS Chief
County Judge Curtis Evans has also been at the center of controversy. On April 23, 2024, Evans ordered the removal of Flash from the courthouse, instructing deputies to enforce the order and threatening arrest without legal grounds. This incident further underscores the county’s issues with transparency and professional conduct.
Additionally, the firing of EMS Chief Peggy Fonseca by the county commissioners, which Evans opposed, has raised alarms. Fonseca’s dismissal, described by Evans as a “knee-jerk reaction,” could put the county’s emergency medical services at risk. The lack of a clear explanation for her dismissal has only heightened concerns about the county’s leadership and its ability to manage critical public services.
Failure to Inform the Public on Rising Crime
Residents of Jeff Davis County are also frustrated by the sheriff’s office’s lack of communication regarding a rise in thefts in the community. Despite several high-profile thefts, including the theft of a truck from a ranch just half a mile from the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Bill Kitts and Chief Deputy Walker have failed to inform the public or provide any guidance on how to protect themselves. The sheriff’s office has also remained silent on social media, missing a key opportunity to engage and inform the community.
Curtis Evans’ Role in Suppressing Transparency
Judge Curtis Evans has not only played a role in escalating confrontations but has also contributed to the broader lack of transparency in the county’s operations. In addition to ordering Flash’s removal from the courthouse, Evans has been criticized for failing to address the mismanagement of funds and public services under his watch. His leadership, or lack thereof, has exacerbated the county’s inability to address mounting concerns about governance and accountability.
Jeff Davis County’s Government is Failing
Jeff Davis County’s leadership, from County Attorney Glen Eisen and Chief Deputy Jerry Walker to Judge Curtis Evans and Lisa Dennison, has demonstrated a troubling pattern of misconduct, mismanagement, and lack of transparency. The county’s failure to maintain a functional website despite substantial HOT funds, breaches of confidentiality, aggressive law enforcement, and questionable personnel decisions all point to a government that is failing to meet the needs of its residents.
