A dispute between Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland and this publication has escalated into a formal legal notice after the sheriff allegedly continued sharing manipulated images and content from a website referenced in federal court litigation despite being warned the material was false.
I sent Terrell County Attorney Ken Bellah a formal notice of claim and cease-and-desist demand regarding Cleveland’s conduct on social media.
The notice alleges Cleveland posted or promoted AI-manipulated images depicting me in a false manner and shared material from a website that contains defamatory information about me and has been referenced in federal court filings connected to litigation involving Jeff Davis County.
“The core issue is simple,” the notice states. “He has been notified the images are false and the content is defamatory, and he has continued posting them anyway.”
Screenshots preserved by Big Bend Times show Cleveland sending direct messages referencing images and online articles about me.
In some exchanges, Cleveland disputed that the images were artificial and said he obtained them from online sources.
Images described as fabricated and misleading
Based on firsthand knowledge of the underlying events, the images being circulated do not accurately depict what occurred.
The photos appear to have been altered or generated in ways that exaggerate facial expressions and physical characteristics to create an aggressive or unstable appearance that does not reflect reality.
For example, the images depict me sitting in what appears to be a padded chair. In reality, during the recorded interaction from which the images are purportedly derived, I was seated in a wooden chair.
Additional visual characteristics of the images also raise concerns about manipulation, including irregular logo rendering on clothing, lighting inconsistencies, and object integration artifacts commonly associated with AI-generated or composited imagery.
Website referenced in federal litigation
The website from which some of the material originated has been referenced in federal court filings in connection with litigation involving Jeff Davis County and allegations concerning defamatory content and government involvement.
The notice states that Cleveland was informed directly that the site’s claims were false and that the images being circulated were not authentic, but that the material continued to be distributed afterward.
Continuing to publish false material after receiving notice can significantly increase legal exposure, according to media law specialists.
Concerns about professionalism
Beyond the dispute over images, the tone and manner of Cleveland’s communications have also raised concerns.
Messages reviewed by Big Bend Times show a confrontational style described in the notice as unprofessional and inconsistent with the conduct expected of a county law enforcement leader.
The communications include language and responses that resemble what the notice characterizes as a “childish” or “fifth-grade level” tone rather than professional engagement with a member of the press.
These concerns are not limited to personal communications with this publication. Issues involving professionalism and judgment have been reflected in other public matters involving the sheriff’s office and have influenced this outlet’s coverage.
Notice of claim and preservation request
The notice sent to the county alleges reputational harm, interference with professional activities, and harassment connected to my work as a journalist covering public officials.
The document also includes a litigation hold request directing the county to preserve communications, social media posts, devices, and related records connected to the matter.
The notice states a preference to resolve the matter without litigation but indicates legal remedies may be pursued if the conduct continues.
Broader public-interest concerns
The dispute occurs in the context of ongoing reporting and public-records issues involving Terrell County government and law enforcement activities, including funding programs such as Operation Lone Star and Operation Stonegarden.
The situation raises broader questions about public officials’ use of social media and the risks associated with sharing fabricated or AI-manipulated imagery, particularly after being informed the material may be false.
