Photo: Deputy King Merritt made the Big Bend Times Publisher the target of sereral baseless investigations during his short employment tenure with the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Department in Fort Davis.
Former Jeff Davis County Sheriff Bill Kitts and ex-Deputy King Merritt are under fire for their handling of an incident involving former Justice of the Peace Mary Ann Luedecke, who allegedly attempted to unlawfully detain a journalist. Despite claims from Kitts that he was consulting with the Texas Rangers about Luedecke’s actions, public records reveal no such investigation took place. Instead, Merritt opened an investigation targeting David Flash, publisher of the Texas Reporter and Big Bend Times, for “evading arrest or detention” after Flash left the courthouse to avoid Luedecke’s illegal actions.
The Incident at the Courthouse
The controversy began on October 18, 2023, when Flash visited the Jeff Davis County Courthouse to document policies for a story. Outside Luedecke’s office, Flash photographed a newly posted sign prohibiting audiovisual recordings. Despite remaining outside the restricted area, Luedecke shouted, “You’re detained,” attempting to assert authority she does not possess.
Recognizing that Luedecke’s actions were unlawful, Flash left the courthouse. Shortly afterward, Merritt opened an investigation accusing Flash of evading detention. This move has been widely criticized as retaliatory, with observers noting that Flash was acting within his rights and had broken no laws.
A Pattern of Retaliation
The investigation Merritt initiated against Flash appears to fit a broader pattern of retaliation against critics of local government. This incident precedes another encounter in which Merritt pulled Flash over near his home under dubious circumstances. During that stop, Merritt issued illegal threats and a questionable traffic citation for “failure to maintain a single lane.” The citation and threats are now part of broader legal action Flash is pursuing against the county for what he describes as a pattern of harassment and abuse of power.
Former Sheriff Kitts’s Role
Former Sheriff Bill Kitts, whose term expired earlier this year, previously told Flash he was consulting with the Texas Rangers about Luedecke’s conduct. However, public records show that no such consultation occurred. Instead, Kitts’s office focused on investigating Flash, raising concerns about the misuse of law enforcement resources and priorities during his tenure.
Deputy Merritt’s Controversial Tenure
Merritt, who also no longer serves with Jeff Davis County, has a history of controversy. During his brief tenure as a School Resource Officer (SRO) for Marfa ISD, allegations of unprofessional behavior and inconsistencies in his academic credentials raised questions about his judgment and suitability for law enforcement roles.
Merritt’s actions, particularly his targeting of Flash, further highlight concerns about his professional conduct. Advocacy groups have pointed to his behavior as emblematic of a larger issue of accountability and oversight in rural law enforcement.
Broader Implications for Jeff Davis County
This incident is part of a broader pattern of controversies in Jeff Davis County. Public records requests revealed that the county had conducted an extensive investigation into Flash, spanning hundreds of pages and costing taxpayers over $14,000 to shield related documents from public scrutiny. Despite the resources expended, the investigation yielded no charges, further highlighting concerns about the misuse of power.
Luedecke’s attempt to detain Flash has also drawn widespread criticism. As a Justice of the Peace, she lacks law enforcement authority, and her actions have been described as a blatant overreach that undermines public trust.
A Statewide Concern for Press Freedom
The targeting of Flash, a journalist and media owner, has raised alarms among press freedom advocates statewide. Observers argue that the misuse of law enforcement to intimidate or silence journalists poses a threat to democracy and public accountability, particularly in rural areas where oversight is often limited.
“This case underscores the importance of a free press in holding power to account,” said Flash. “It’s not just about me—it’s about ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of retaliation and that public officials are held to the standards of law and ethics.”
Calls for Accountability and Reform
With Kitts and Merritt no longer in office, there is growing demand for an independent review of the handling of this case. Advocacy groups are calling for reforms to ensure greater accountability for local officials and to protect press freedoms.
For Flash and his publications, the experience underscores the need for vigilance in defending press freedoms and transparency. Despite the personal risks, Flash remains committed to reporting on issues that affect communities across Texas, ensuring that the misuse of authority does not go unchecked.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role of the press in safeguarding democracy and holding public officials accountable.
Texas Reporter 