As the publisher of Big Bend Times, I’m no stranger to pushback from public officials. But the response from Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland to a straightforward public records request goes beyond the usual defensiveness. Instead of providing transparency about how taxpayer dollars are being spent, Sheriff Cleveland chose to issue illegal demands, hurl baseless insults, and distract from the real issue: his office’s failure to follow the law.
After we requested records showing how Cleveland’s office used public funds from Operation Lone Star and Stonegarden grants, his response was a textbook example of obstruction:
- He demanded $600 in illegal fees. TPIA caps labor costs at $15/hour after the first free hour. Cleveland’s fabricated $25/hour rate, padded with payroll taxes and benefits, violates state law.
- He imposed unnecessary requirements. TPIA does not require forms for public records requests, yet Cleveland demanded one, creating barriers not supported by the law.
- He delayed without justification. His office suggested the request could take over 30 days, even though TPIA requires prompt responses.
When I provided Cleveland with a draft of our article detailing these issues, he didn’t address the facts. Instead, he lashed out, calling me a “blogger” and accusing me of promoting “far-left agendas.”
Let me set the record straight. I am not a “blogger.” I am the publisher of Big Bend Times, a regional news outlet that has served this community for nearly five years. I am not a “far-left” anything. I am a conservative who respects law, order, and transparency — values I would hope Sheriff Cleveland shares.
This situation isn’t about politics. It’s about the law. Transparency is not optional; it’s a legal obligation. Sheriff Cleveland’s refusal to comply with the Texas Public Information Act raises a simple question: What is he trying to hide?
Facts Over Insults
Sheriff Cleveland’s personal attacks don’t change the facts:
- The Texas Public Information Act guarantees the public’s right to access records showing how taxpayer money is being spent.
- His office’s demands were inflated, illegal, and designed to obstruct access to public information.
- Instead of engaging with the law, he deflected with insults and baseless accusations.
As someone who has dedicated my career to journalism and my life to community service, I respect the work law enforcement does every day. I’ve served on the board of Crime Stoppers, volunteered for hospice and Meals on Wheels, and raised thousands of dollars for local nonprofits. My record speaks for itself.
I respect the law, and I expect public officials to do the same. Sheriff Cleveland’s response is not just disappointing; it’s alarming. When an official goes to such lengths to block public records, it’s fair to ask what they don’t want the public to see.
Accountability Matters
Sheriff Cleveland has built a national profile on right-wing media, where he critiques federal border policies and presents himself as a law-and-order leader. But at home in Terrell County, his actions tell a different story.
If Cleveland can’t manage a straightforward public records request without breaking the law and resorting to insults, how can he claim to lead with integrity? The people of Terrell County — and Texas — deserve better.
I am not opposed to Sheriff Cleveland, but I am opposed to the unlawful and obstructive practices his office has displayed. Transparency is non-negotiable. I urge the sheriff to correct these missteps, follow the law, and provide the accountability his office owes the people.
Insults won’t change the truth. And no amount of distraction will deter Big Bend Times from seeking it.
David Flash is the publisher of Big Bend Times and a lifelong advocate for law, order, and community service.
This sounds about right in the responses your requests of information that you or any citizen is entitled to request & receive.
I’ve noticed similar responses when asking for information that might (or likely does given the such responses) indicate bad behavior at best but often indicate infractions of some sort.
Thank you for working towards cleaning up public officials attempts to distract, delay, shame, and some nasty & outright criminal behaviors.
My wish is that people who experience this kind of behaviors must bring them forward. Shedding light on the ugly side of life out here is the only way change will happen. Law suits, public disclosure, reports to the appropriate oversight bodies, letters to state & federal lawmakers are useful ways to register complaints and/or ideas for improvement.
Instead of bitching & complaining, spreading fodder for rumor & gossip via the underground route, go public.
Stop our government officials from these classic avoidance strategies that do or should undermine the trust we place in them.
The perpetrators & the victims must see the red flags & do something before such things escalate into much bigger trouble! A pattern I’ve seen over & over since coming here years ago. Likely we all make such mistakes but personal mistakes affecting you are not quite the same as ones made in an official capacity potentially affecting many more people.
PLEASE cultivate decency.
We all reap what we sow.
Thieves & wrong-doers may not be caught red-handed but know that the universe is keeping some sort of score. When you least expect it, you will someday “pay” in some way commensurate with the harm you’ve caused.
Good luck.