A small Texas county, known for its scenic landscapes and historic charm, has found itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Jeff Davis County, home to just under 2,000 people, is now facing mounting scrutiny over a pattern of mismanagement, retaliation against critics, and a disturbing lack of transparency in local government. From mishandled public funds to aggressive law enforcement tactics, officials are facing serious questions about their ability to govern effectively.
Public Funds Mismanagement: A Missed Opportunity to Boost Tourism
In a county that depends heavily on tourism to support its local economy, a recent scandal involving the misuse of more than $100,000 in hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds has left many residents frustrated. The funds were meant to support tourism by creating a website for the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce to promote local businesses and events. Instead, the website is incomplete, outdated, and fails to provide crucial information. The calendar of events is either empty or outdated, and many local businesses are either misrepresented or missing from the site altogether.
Despite offers to fix the website at no cost, county leadership has failed to act. The inaction raises questions about oversight and whether public officials are equipped to manage the resources they are entrusted with. The absence of an effective online presence has directly impacted tourism, leaving local businesses—many of which rely on out-of-town visitors—struggling to make ends meet.
Breach of Confidentiality and Legal Misconduct
A troubling breach of confidentiality has further tarnished the county’s reputation. Lisa Dennison, an assistant in the County Attorney’s office, is facing a criminal complaint for publicly disclosing confidential information. Dennison confronted a local reporter at a bakery, accusing him of misconduct based on bodycam footage she should not have publicly accessed or shared. The incident, which shocked many in the community, has raised serious ethical concerns about how sensitive information is handled within the county government.
County Attorney Glen Eisen, who admitted to the breach, has not outlined any steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. Additionally, Eisen has refused to recuse himself from cases involving the reporter, who has filed civil claims against the county for retaliation.
Retaliation and Aggressive Tactics by Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in the county is also under fire, particularly for retaliatory actions against the press and aggressive behavior toward residents. Deputy King Merritt pulled over a local reporter for what many believe was a retaliatory traffic stop. When the reporter questioned the validity of the stop, Merritt issued a citation seen as an attempt to intimidate the reporter following his critical coverage of county affairs.
Chief Deputy Jerry Walker has also exhibited aggressive behavior. In April 2024, Walker confronted the reporter in the county courthouse, shouting and threatening him with arrest, despite the reporter remaining calm and cooperative. These incidents contribute to a broader pattern of intimidation by county law enforcement, where critics are often met with threats rather than accountability.
Leadership Failures: Judge Curtis Evans and the Firing of EMS Chief
County Judge Curtis Evans has also been at the center of controversy. Evans ordered the removal of the same local reporter from the courthouse, with deputies threatening arrest despite no legal grounds for such actions. This incident highlights ongoing issues with how officials handle public transparency and professional conduct.
Evans was also involved in the fallout surrounding the abrupt firing of the county’s EMS Chief, Peggy Fonseca. Fonseca, who had served the community for years, was dismissed by county commissioners, a decision Evans opposed, describing it as a “knee-jerk reaction.” The firing has left many concerned about the county’s emergency services, particularly as the reasons for her dismissal remain unclear.
Rising Crime and Silence from the Sheriff’s Office
Residents are also growing frustrated by the lack of communication from the sheriff’s office regarding a noticeable uptick in thefts. Despite high-profile incidents—such as the theft of a truck from a ranch just half a mile from the sheriff’s office—law enforcement has provided little to no information to the public. Sheriff Bill Kitts and Chief Deputy Walker have failed to update residents about ongoing investigations or offer guidance on how to protect themselves from rising crime.
The sheriff’s office’s failure to engage with the public, either through social media or other communication channels, has left residents feeling abandoned in the face of growing safety concerns.
Curtis Evans and a Culture of Suppression
The problems don’t stop with the sheriff’s office. County Judge Curtis Evans has been criticized for fostering a culture of secrecy and suppression. His decision to block the release of over 500 pages of public records requested by the local reporter—using $14,000 in taxpayer money to do so—has deepened concerns about transparency. The funds, which could have been used for public services, were instead spent on legal efforts to prevent the release of documents that may contain critical information about the county’s operations.
A Troubling Pattern of Governance
The issues plaguing this small Texas county are not isolated incidents. They reflect a broader pattern of misconduct, financial mismanagement, and a culture of intimidation that discourages transparency and accountability. With tourism and small businesses serving as the backbone of the local economy, the ineffective use of HOT funds and the lack of public engagement pose a serious threat to the county’s future.
As the community grapples with these challenges, many residents are left questioning whether their leaders are capable of restoring trust in local government. Without significant reforms, this once peaceful and scenic region may continue to be overshadowed by controversies and a failure to govern responsibly.
The ongoing issues in this county serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and professionalism in local government—principles that appear to be in short supply here.
Texas Reporter 