Texas Rangers investigate city hall

The Texas Rangers are involved in an investigation at Rusk City Hall.

City Attorney Forrest Phifer confirmed that the investigation is underway and documents have been handed over to the district attorney for review.

"It is a personnel issue," said Mr. Phifer. "We (the city) investigated it and thought it appropriate to call in the Texas Rangers. They completed (their part of) the investigation and the employee has been terminated."

Mr. Phifer called the investigation "extensive" and said that it generated a lot of paperwork. "It has taken several months to investigate," he said.

District Attorney Elmer Beckworth is reviewing the case, confirmed Mr. Phifer. "I understand he has had a lot of violent crimes to deal with lately. I believe he is also trying to get a few more documents."

Mr. Phifer said that according to Texas laws, Mr. Beckworth has the sole discretion of whether to refer the case to a grand jury for possible indictments.

As an elite division of the Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers are typically asked to investigate crimes involving theft, fraud involving credit cards and counterfeit checks, as well as misconduct and corruption of public employees and officials.

Sources familiar with city hall suggested to the Cherokeean Herald that the investigation centers on missing funds collected at city hall.

Mr. Phifer declined to confirm the nature of the investigation, saying that he could not comment on a personnel issue or an ongoing investigation. Rusk City Manager Mike Murray declined to address the specifics and called the status "ongoing."

At press deadline, the lead investigator for the Texas Rangers was unavailable for comment. Mr. Beckworth was testifying on legislation in Austin and was also unavailable for comment.