Attorney CJ Grisham — who is not a Hood County official — accused the Hood County Commissioners Court during public comment this week of discouraging residents from speaking openly about the Kolton Krottinger case.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Krottinger was arrested on November 5 for felony “online impersonation–name/persona create page.” A justice of the peace later ruled that the State had not established probable cause, canceling his examination trial and ordering his bond discharged. However, Krottinger’s legal team says prosecutors still plan to seek a grand jury indictment in January, which could lead to his re-arrest.
Resident Allegedly Felt Intimidated Speaking at Public Meeting
During a Commissioners Court meeting, Grisham said a resident identified only as Mr. Johnson — initially attempted to speak about Krottinger’s arrest but changed course after hearing the judge’s introductory remarks.
“Mr. Johnson began his speech mentioning the corrupt unconstitutional arrest of Mr. Kolton Krottinger; however, rather than exercising his First Amendment-protected speech, he said, ‘I had a lot to say this morning, but I listened carefully to the judge’s initial announcement. I can give you a ton of details, but I don’t think the judge will let me because I’m criticizing three of your employees,’” Grisham told the court.
Grisham said the resident “censored himself for fear that you, Judge Massingill, would essentially berate him if he expressed an opinion you didn’t like.”
He then warned that the court’s handling of public comment resembled authoritarian behavior.
“Stop acting like communists. Start acting like conservatives who revere the Constitution and the freedom that people like Kolton Krottinger fought for,” Grisham said.
Sheriff Defends Arrest, Rejects Claims of Political Targeting
The confrontation came days after Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds publicly defended the arrest process and denied it was politically motivated.
“As a conservative law enforcement leader sworn to protect the constitutional rights of all Hood County residents, I take my oath seriously,” Deeds said in a written statement. “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.”
Deeds said the case began with a sworn complaint filed by a private citizen and that his office proceeded only after a district judge approved warrants and investigators gathered evidence.
“Every step was taken in accordance with Texas law and protected constitutional due-process rights,” he said.
Case Continues Toward January Grand Jury
Although the court discharged Krottinger’s bond and lifted his conditions, his attorney has emphasized that the dismissal does not end the matter. Prosecutors are still expected to present the case to a grand jury in January.
The Dallas Express reached out to the Hood County Commissioners Court and the Hood County Attorney’s Office for comment but did not receive a response.
Correction:
A previous version of this article incorrectly referred to CJ Grisham as the “Hood County attorney.” Grisham is not a Hood County official. The article has been updated to reflect this.
