Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland, a frequent guest on conservative media outlets, is facing criticism for illegally inflating fees for a public records request and responding with insults when challenged on his failure to comply with Texas law.
The Big Bend Times requested records detailing how Cleveland’s office spent taxpayer dollars from Operation Lone Star and Stonegarden grants. Instead of complying with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), Cleveland’s office demanded $600 in prepayment, citing a fabricated $25 per hour labor rate, and required a form that TPIA does not mandate.
When provided a draft of a story outlining these issues, Cleveland lashed out in an email, referring to the journalist as a “blogger” and accusing them of promoting “far-left agendas.”
“This isn’t about agendas or politics — it’s about following the law,” the Big Bend Times said in response. “Sheriff Cleveland’s insults don’t change the fact that his office violated transparency laws by making up fees and imposing barriers that have no basis in Texas statutes. The public deserves answers, not deflections.”
Breaking the Law to Avoid Transparency
Cleveland’s demands directly contradict the Texas Public Information Act, which ensures that public records are accessible without unnecessary burdens:
- Clerical Labor Costs: TPIA caps clerical labor charges at $15/hour after the first free hour. Cleveland’s $25/hour rate, padded with payroll taxes, health insurance, and pensions, is illegal.
- Prepayment Rules: Prepayments can only be requested if costs exceed $100 and must be based on itemized, lawful estimates. Cleveland’s $600 demand is inflated, unsupported, and far exceeds the $39 cost estimated by the Texas Attorney General’s guidelines for similar requests.
- Form Requirements: TPIA does not require additional forms to access public records. Written requests submitted via email, mail, or hand delivery are sufficient.
“Sheriff Cleveland’s attempt to justify his demands demonstrates a lack of understanding — or outright disregard — for the law,” said the Big Bend Times. “It’s clear these barriers were designed to avoid scrutiny.”
A National Voice, Local Failures
While Cleveland frequently appears on right-wing media outlets like Fox Business to criticize federal border policies, his inability to handle local responsibilities is drawing sharp criticism.
“How can Cleveland claim to be a national expert on border issues when he can’t even comply with basic state laws?” a transparency advocate asked.
Cleveland’s office also stated the request could take over 30 days to fulfill, violating TPIA’s requirement for prompt responses. Combined with fabricated fees and unnecessary requirements, critics argue these tactics suggest a deliberate effort to obstruct public accountability.
What’s He Hiding?
The Big Bend Times emphasized that the records request is simple: how is taxpayer money being spent? Instead of answers, Cleveland’s office has responded with illegal demands, unnecessary delays, and personal attacks.
“When a public official breaks the law and hurls insults to avoid releasing information, it raises an obvious question: What is he trying to hide?” the publication asked.
Commitment to Accountability
The Big Bend Times remains committed to uncovering the truth about how Sheriff Cleveland’s office is using taxpayer money. “Transparency isn’t optional — it’s the law,” the publication said. “No amount of insults or illegal barriers will stop us from holding officials accountable.”
As this story gains statewide attention, Cleveland’s illegal demands and unprofessional responses are drawing scrutiny far beyond Terrell County. While he builds his national profile on border issues, his actions at home suggest a troubling pattern of evasion and disregard for public accountability.
Texas Reporter 