Eastland County Sheriff resigns following 'error in judgement' while employed in Ranger

UPDATE:

The Eastland County District Attorney Russ Thomason will not press charges after Sheriff Chad Roberts admitted that he made errors in judgement during his tenure as the City Manager/Police Chief for the City of Ranger.

Press release from Eastland County DA:

"On January 21, 2021, allegations of misconduct by former City Manager Chad Roberts regarding public information requests under the Texas Open Records Act were submitted to the Criminal District Attorneys Office through the City of Ranger’s legal counsel. These allegations of misconduct occurred while Roberts was employed by Ranger as City Manager/Chief of Police. The Criminal District Attorneys Office through its elected District Attorney Russ Thomason followed state protocol and requested the assistance of the Texas Rangers. After a preliminary investigation, Texas Ranger Jason Shea of Brownwood was assigned for the limited purpose of reviewing the open record violations and related matters that occurred during Robert’s tenure as the City Manager/Police Chief for the City of Ranger.

During the interview regarding the allegations, Sheriff Roberts admitted that he had made errors in judgment and due to his love for the County and his family, he would voluntarily resign from office and permanently surrender his Texas Peace Officer’s License. In light of that decision, Ranger Shea after consultation with the District Attorney, recommended that the investigation close without further investigation and prosecution. No allegations of misconduct have been made regarding Robert’s term as Eastland County Sheriff."

ORIGINAL STORY:

Eastland County Sheriff Chad Roberts has resigned from his post, effective Monday May 24, according to a statement on Eastland County Today.

"I am resigning because of an error in my judgment that occurred while I was employed by the City of Ranger," Roberts said in the Facebook post. "I take full responsibility for that. No allegations of wrongdoing have been made against me during my term as your Sheriff."

Roberts also said that despite rumors, he has not been arrested or indicted.

"Because of my great respect for my elected office and the profession of law enforcement, I feel that this decision is in the best interest of Eastland County, my family and myself," Roberts said.

The Texas Rangers are not confirming an investigation into Roberts at this time.

"I can’t confirm or deny any investigation we are involved with unless there is an arrest or warrants issued," Sgt. Frederick Biddle of DPS said in an email to KTXS.

KTXS is investigating the "error in judgement" and will continue to update this story as we uncover more information.