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July 24, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: Brownlow responds to allegations

Brownlow says media reports he decided to retire in connection to death investigation are false

By Art Lawler and Jayson Larson

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.

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