JUST IN: Family Violence Case Raises Questions About Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office

EAST TEXAS (TXAN 24) - A Cherokee County family says they are living in fear after a violent assault involving a 15-year-old girl — and claim law enforcement has failed to take action.

On July 30th, 2025, the girl’s father allegedly attacked her during a confrontation at home. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office classified the incident as “Family Violence, Assault Causing Bodily Injury” but did not make an arrest, instead allowing the suspect to leave and “cool off.”

The child’s relatives say this is the father’s third assault charge, yet deputies have not detained him. Both CPS and the Crisis Center are now involved, advising the family to avoid their home in Rusk for safety.

Family members also say a friend of the victim, who was on a video call during the assault, witnessed the attack and gave that information to deputies — but claim the witness has not yet been contacted for a statement.

The family has since filed a report with the Texas Rangers, concerned the Sheriff’s Office may be ignoring the case amid ongoing investigations into the department.

Loved ones say the mother and daughter remain displaced, and fear the situation will escalate further if nothing is done.