Former Jeff Davis County Commissioner Royce Laskoskie says he resigned in September 2025 because of corruption within county government and wants no further association with Commissioners Court.
“I resigned as JDC Commissioner, Precinct 4 September of 2025. I resigned due to the corruption in the Courthouse. I want NO association with the Court,” Laskoskie wrote in a message to Big Bend Reporter publisher David Flash.
Laskoskie contacted the publication asking it to stop using a photograph showing him serving on Commissioners Court. The image accompanied an article reporting a 54.5% increase in county judicial expenses.
Laskoskie did not identify specific officials or explain the corruption he alleged.
Flash responded by pointing out that Laskoskie served on Commissioners Court during the period when Flash alleges county officials repeatedly violated his constitutional rights.
Flash said he personally appealed to Laskoskie and other commissioners for assistance, sending numerous emails asking officials to intervene and treat him fairly.
“How many emails did I send to you personally, Royce, asking for help? How many of those emails went unanswered?” Flash asked.
Flash also recalled being placed in handcuffs while documenting a Commissioners Court meeting in June 2025. He believes Laskoskie witnessed the incident but did not intervene.
“You were part of that governing body, and I believe you bear some responsibility for how my appeals were handled,” Flash said.
Flash’s allegations against county officials are the subject of ongoing federal civil rights litigation.
Big Bend Reporter will continue using the photograph, which was taken during a public government meeting.
“The photograph was taken lawfully, and we’re going to continue using it,” Flash said. “I think the far more important issue is what happened in that courthouse and why the people who had the opportunity to do something about it failed to act.”
