DOCUMENTS: Texas Rangers Close Rusk ISD Security Assignment Probe Without Charges, Despite Missing Key Evidence

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Texas (TXAN 24) — New developments have emerged in the ongoing controversy surrounding paid security assignments within Rusk ISD to employees of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, raising additional questions about how the case was handled at the state level.

The investigation began after the Rusk Police Chief launched a review into allegations that Rusk ISD board members—who are also employees of the sheriff’s office—assigned themselves paid security shifts. The internal arrangement raised concerns about improper financial benefit and potential misuse of authority.

Sources now confirm that the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office recused itself from the case, prompting the Texas Rangers to take over the investigation.

According to officials, the Rangers ultimately reported that they found no criminal wrongdoing and recommended no charges.

However, the circumstances surrounding that conclusion have drawn scrutiny.

Multiple law-enforcement sources tell TXAN 24 News that the Texas Rangers never interviewed the Rusk Police Chief, who initiated the probe and collected the foundational evidence.

That evidence reportedly included internal documents, assignment logs, and statements tied directly to the alleged misconduct.

In an unusual twist, individuals aligned with the defense reportedly requested that the Rangers write a formal dismissal letter—despite the Rangers not having reviewed all locally gathered investigative materials.

TXAN 24 News has not independently confirmed whether such a letter was issued, only that it was requested.

The gap between the evidence collected at the local level and the limited scope of the state’s inquiry is now fueling renewed concern among those familiar with the initial investigation.

It remains unclear why the Rangers’ review did not include interviews with key personnel or examination of the evidence assembled by the Rusk Police Department.

As of today, no further action has been announced at the county or state level, but the matter continues to raise questions about internal oversight, investigative transparency, and the handling of potential conflicts of interest inside Cherokee County institutions.

TXAN 24 News will continue to monitor new developments and seek responses from the Texas Rangers, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rusk Police Department.