Crockett council hires independent expert, issues public statement after forensic audit and AG review

The Crockett City Council voted to hire an independent expert and special legal counsel to oversee an internal affairs review of a forensic audit of the Crockett Economic and Industrial Development Corporation and to recommend corrective actions.

Council action came after multiple residents used the public-comment period to press for transparency about the CEIDC review and for clarity about the Texas attorney general's involvement. The council moved, seconded and the presiding official announced the motion carried to approve the independent expert.

The council then read an official public statement summarizing the situation. That statement identified the forensic audit as the Weave & Tidwell report dated January 2023, said city officials temporarily suspended CEIDC activities and placed staff on paid administrative leave, and reported that the Crockett Police Chief had requested assistance from the Texas attorney general's office. The statement said that, as of March 2024, the attorney general's office had conducted a criminal investigation and that the agency would not pursue criminal prosecution. The council said it would address any potential violations identified in the audit through an internal affairs review, identify responsible parties if any, and present a recommended corrective action plan before restoring regular CEIDC operations.

During public comment, one speaker (Sheryl Wood) said the attorney general's investigation began earlier than the forensic audit and alleged subpoenas and depositions took place in Crockett in 2019–2020. Another commenter, Natrina Hicks, said the city spent roughly $160,000 on the forensic audit and questioned asking for additional special counsel after the AG's response. Diane Roan praised recent economic development outcomes while also saying the forensic audit had "proved corruption" and alleging that two people remained on the payroll despite not working for over a year. Kat Cross, who identified herself in the meeting, urged officials to reschedule executive sessions so members of the public do not have to wait outside and asked council members to use microphones so everyone can hear.

The council's public statement described next steps: an internal affairs review to examine the forensic audit findings, determine whether violations occurred, identify responsible parties if any, and develop a corrective-action plan. The statement said the city would review financial policies and procedures, consider restructuring and training initiatives, and implement enhanced oversight and communication strategies to strengthen controls and rebuild public trust.

No specific vote tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript for the motion to hire the independent expert; the meeting facilitator stated only that the motion carried. The official statement and the council's direction to pursue an internal affairs review were presented and declared the council's official position moving forward.

The council adjourned after adopting the statement.