Local News
BREAKING NEWS: Brownlow responds to allegations
Brownlow says media reports he decided to retire in connection to death investigation are false
Henderson County Sheriff Ronny Brownlow on Wednesday responded publicly about allegations he is retiring early in connection to the death investigation of a former county jail inmate.
Brownlow refuted the claims, which have been made by several television media outlets. The 10-year sheriff said Wednesday that his plan to retire dates back at least until last fall, when he began serious discussions about it with those close to him.
Brownlow sent a letter to county officials earlier this month informing them of his intention to step down from office on July 31 — roughly five months before the official end of his term. The letter is dated July 8.
The announcement came during a time when information regarding the death of 56-year-old Debra Lee Newton began to surface. Newton was arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance on Feb. 18. Sometime in April, she allegedly became ill while incarcerated in the Henderson County Jail.
On April 25, the sheriff’s department asked that Newton be released on a personal recognizance bond. That request was granted, and Newton was taken to East Texas Medical Center Athens. She died eight days later, on May 3 — prompting allegations of impropriety on the part of sheriff’s department officials in their handling of Newton.
Henderson County District Attorney Donna Bennett’s office subsequently asked the Texas Rangers to investigate the circumstances of the death. That investigation is ongoing with Athens-based Ranger Trace McDonald. Lt. Pat McWilliams, a public relations officer, said the sheriff’s department welcomes the investigation.
“... We’re certain there’s no conspiracy and that the patient received adequate medical treatment,” McWilliams said last week.
While Brownlow said he won’t comment on the death investigation until its conclusion, he addressed allegations he announced his early retirement because of pressure brought on by the inquiry.
Brownlow showed a reporter a copy of a letter from a Society Security office, dated Sept. 27, 2007, regarding his benefits. Brownlow said he requested the information in anticipation of taking early retirement. Brownlow said he initially pondered what the difference would be if he waited until the end of his term or stepped down earlier.
Ultimately, Brownlow said, he was told it wouldn’t make a significant difference in benefits if he retired five months earlier than the end of his term.
“The guy said you won’t live long enough to make up the difference,” Brownlow said.
The timing of the retirement — July 31 — coincides with his 64th birthday, he said, which he marked earlier this month.
After the retirement announcement, the county said it would accept applications from anyone who wants to be considered to an appointment as interim sheriff for the duration of Brownlow’s term. Applications were to be accepted until today. An interim sheriff is expected to be named Tuesday at the regularly scheduled meeting of Commissioners Court.
- Local News
-
-
AEDC board approves two performance agreements
The Athens Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors approved two performance agreements on Thursday.
The proposed agreements with Abby Development and the Athens Jet Center are very similar, said AEDC President/CEO Brian Malone.
He said the agreement with Abby Development provides a maximum incentive of $75,000 for infrastructure. -
Local historic treasure recovered
Athens Masonic Lodge No. 165 recovered tokens from its past — both large and small — from a building it had once called its own.
Lodge Secretary Randy Daniel, who is Athens’ mayor, said members retrieved two time capsules last Saturday with the permission of the Ginger Murchison Foundation, the current owner of the building.
The lodge, he said, met on that corner, the southwest corner of the Henderson County Courthouse square, for about 75 years. -
Eustace FFA does well in Fort Worth, San Antonio
The Eustace FFA Show teams have been very busy since the beginning of the year with competitions at two major stock shows.
-
Church News
Church News will run as items are received, based on available space. Items running in Church News will not be published in the Community Calendar.
-
Tenth grade poetry
Athens Christian Preparatory makes writing a priority. Tenth grade students who had poems chosen for national publication are shown.
-
Community Calendar
Community Calendar runs daily in the Review.
-
On the right track
Eustace’s Justin Bersterman takes a handoff from Austin White as they practice their relay before the Athens High School Track Meet.
-
Chamber optimistic about 2010
The Athens Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are working to make 2010 a big year, according to Chamber Chairman Michael “Mo” Morrison.
-
Scholarship available through HCRSPA
If your senior son or daughter plans to attend a college or university in the summer and/or fall, and pursue a program in which he or she will receive teacher certification, a major in education or a teaching degree in a subject area with teacher certification, then this scholarship is for you.
-
Two injured after highway collision
Two people were injured Wednesday when a pickup truck driven by a 13-year-old boy attempted to drive across U.S. Highway 175, only to be struck by a west-bound motorist.
- More Local News Headlines
-
AEDC board approves two performance agreements
