Double Duty, Double Pay: Corruption Allegations Rock Cherokee County Law Enforcement

RUSK, Texas (TXAN 24) — An expanding corruption investigation in Cherokee County has brought the names Captain Nathan Acker and Chief Deputy Martin Peppin to the forefront in Rusk, Texas—both current sheriff’s office officials who also serve on the Rusk ISD school board. Peppin is the current board president; Acker remains a trustee.

NOTE: TXAN 24 News has obtained documents, communications, and internal records through open records requests, citizen reports, and Cherokee County law enforcement sources.

The findings point to a longstanding operation where Acker and Peppin allegedly steered lucrative off-duty security contracts at Rusk ISD to themselves — effectively excluding other officers from participation.

Both men are accused of using their public positions to enrich themselves while limiting transparency. Evidence shows that for years, Acker controlled RISD’s security scheduling, assigning only himself and Peppin to those roles — an act some in law enforcement privately called corrupt and retaliatory.

What began as a local concern has evolved into a complex legal and ethical issue, raising serious questions about public integrity, retaliation, and misuse of authority.

Timeline of Key Events

• March 2022: Acker resigns from his former police post after a demotion and is quickly hired by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. He retains control over RISD’s off-duty security scheduling — continuing to assign himself and Peppin.

• April 6, 2023: Citizen complaints surface about school board members also working as RISD security contractors. A report is filed, and quiet inquiry begins. Individuals interviewed express fear of retaliation.

• Spring/Summer 2023: State oversight agencies are contacted for guidance. The sheriff allegedly limits departmental privileges to those expressing concern.

• August 14, 2024: RISD Superintendent cites TEA Code 11.201, affirming that law enforcement assignments within school districts are under superintendent authority.

• September 24, 2024: Superintendent Burton is interviewed about RISD security contracting. Body camera footage is recorded but later exempted from release.

• October 29, 2024: Acker’s former colleagues are interviewed regarding past scheduling control. The sheriff allegedly becomes enraged, storms the police lobby, and threatens city officials. Texts and verbal reports suggest ongoing pressure to end inquiries.

• November 14, 2024: The sheriff warns city leaders that dispatching and jail services will be cut off unless RISD-related investigations stop. City officials say they are under political threat.

• Late November 2024: Acker and Peppin retain legal counsel and issue open records requests. Conflicting public statements claim no investigation is ongoing.

• December 2024 – March 2025: Extensive public records battles play out. City employees report spending days compiling policies and manuals requested by Acker and Peppin.

• March 2025: Officials receive confirmation from the Attorney General’s office that most records must be released. One key bodycam interview is exempt.

• March 22, 2025: RPD is represented at a school safety meeting at the sheriff’s direction. Individuals not aligned with the sheriff’s office are excluded.

• March 25, 2025: A request is made for the district attorney to evaluate whether criminal conduct has occurred. No further action is taken.

• April 1–3, 2025: Complaints are filed accusing investigators of defamation. Shortly after, administrative leave is imposed. No findings of misconduct result.

• May 2025: A summary of the retaliation and political pressure is submitted to city leadership. Around the same time, TXAN 24’s public records request is rerouted from the department to city hall.

Legal Implications for the Sheriff’s Office

If allegations are substantiated, multiple Texas laws may have been violated:

Abuse of Official Capacity – Penal Code § 39.02: Using office to secure personal benefit; up to second-degree felony.

Official Oppression – Penal Code § 39.03: Retaliating against individuals under color of law.

Improper Influence – Penal Code § 36.09: Attempting to sway official action; felony offense.

Gift to Public Servants – Penal Code § 36.08: Receiving personal benefit tied to official duties.

Conflict of Interest – Local Government Code Chapter 171: Dual roles on school board and as paid contractors violate ethical boundaries.

Whistleblower Retaliation – Texas Whistleblower Act: Alleged political punishment for raising concerns may trigger legal and civil exposure.

What Comes Next

If an independent law enforcement agency — such as the Texas Rangers or FBI — steps in, Cherokee County may face its most serious public corruption reckoning in recent memory.

Public trust should rightfully key in on transparency, accountability, and whether elected officials are willing to address the documented abuse of power.

TXAN 24 News will continue investigating and reporting as new records emerge.

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