Update to original story, 12/9/25: Krottinger’s team told The Dallas Express that prosecutors canceled his examination trial and lifted his bond conditions, but stressed this does not signal an end to the case. They said authorities still plan to seek a grand jury indictment in January, which could lead to Krottinger’s re-arrest.
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Kolton Krottinger, a community activist from Granbury, was arrested earlier this month for controversy surrounding a meme he posted. His charges have now been officially dropped by the court.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Krottinger was arrested on November 5 for felony “online impersonation–name/persona create page,” according to jail records. His attorney, Rob Christian, maintains that the arrest was entirely based on a meme.
“It’s for posting a meme,” Christian told The Dallas Express. “After 25 years of experience as a district attorney and criminal defense attorney, I have never seen anyone get arrested for engaging in political speech.”
After weeks of scrutiny and mounting public pressure, a Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4 ruled that the state “did not establish probable cause to hold Defendant for the instant offense.” The court ordered that Krottinger be released and declared that his bond be discharged “immediately.”
Political commentator Sarah J Fields cautioned that the dismissal does not mean Krottinger’s ordeal is over. She noted that “even though his charges have been discharged, his attorney says that he is essentially ‘arrested’ now without charges.”
She also noted that the case is still headed to a grand jury in January and that authorities “will not return his belongings—meaning he is still without a phone.”
Residents Confront Sheriff
Tensions escalated at a county meeting this week when resident Ed Elder demanded Sheriff Deeds step down.
“I am sick of what’s going on here,” Elder said during public comment, calling Deeds “a dirty sheriff” and urging a “competency hearing.”
The remarks drew further attention after Fields shared Elder’s comments on X, writing that he “publicly requested the resignation of the Hood County sheriff after a man was arrested for posting a meme.”
Attorney Alleges Sheriff Defamed Krottinger
Attorney CJ Grisham also accused Deeds of insulting his client at a recent American Legion dinner. In a Facebook post, Grisham said Deeds referred to Krottinger as “a piece of sh*t” and “a criminal.”
Grisham noted that Krottinger “has NEVER been convicted of a crime” and argued the sheriff’s comments constituted defamation. He stated he had issued a formal demand for a retraction.
Sheriff Deeds Issues Statement Defending Arrest
On December 3, the Hood County Sheriff’s Office released a formal statement addressing the case.
The sheriff wrote:
“As a conservative law enforcement leader sworn to protect the constitutional rights of all Hood County residents, I take my oath seriously. Under the United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution, the role of the Sheriff’s Office is clear: we enforce the laws as written by our elected representatives in the Texas Legislature. We do not create laws, interpret them selectively, or exempt anyone based on political affiliation, personal relationships, or public opinion. To do so would undermine the very foundations of justice and equal protection that define our republic.”
Deeds said the case began when a private citizen filed a sworn complaint. According to the statement:
“The complaint was reviewed and found legally sufficient with assistance from the District Attorney’s office. A district judge then signed a warrant for records from Facebook. Only after all evidence was gathered and probable cause established, an arrest warrant was issued. Every step was taken in accordance with Texas law and protected constitutional due-process rights.”
Deeds concluded with:
“My job is to enforce the laws on the books today, without fear or favor. Tomorrow’s laws are in your hands and the hands of the legislators you elect.”
Background on the Complaint
According to the criminal complaint obtained by The Dallas Express, Krottinger was accused of posting on Facebook a message that appeared to come from another local activist and showed support for a school board candidate. Prosecutors alleged the post was made without consent and “with the intent to defraud the general public.”
Constable John Shirley previously told The Dallas Express he believed the post was obviously satirical.
“It’s a picture of a political sign that anybody who knows the person whose account this was pasted onto would know that it’s fake and a joke,” Shirley said.
Shirley also expressed concern about “the constitutional implications of arresting someone for a meme.”
The Dallas Express reached out to the Hood County Sheriff’s Office for comment, but did not receive a response.