Tarrant County Precinct 8 Constable Michael R. Campbell has been accused by Chief Deputy Donald L. Carter Jr. of pressuring him to resign after Carter raised concerns about overtime practices and Campbell’s alleged use of county resources.
The Dallas Express obtained documents in which Carter alleges possible violations of the Texas Whistleblower Act and claims Campbell targeted him after Carter reported what he believed to be improper conduct.
A May 26 letter from Chief Deputy Donald L. Carter Jr. to Tarrant County Precinct 8 Constable Michael R. Campbell alleges possible violations under the Texas Whistleblower Act. | Image obtained by The Dallas Express
The documents do not show that Campbell has been charged with a crime in connection with Carter’s allegations, and the claims have not been adjudicated.
Overtime Approval Dispute
“From my hiring in 2021 to present, I worked overtime at your direction, subject to your direct instructions, and under your direct control,” Carter wrote in a letter addressed to Campbell.
“I had late, after regular work-hours meetings with you, early, before regular work-hours meetings with you, and I was in and out of the office, early and late, performing duties that you, as the elected Constable, directed me to perform,” Carter wrote.
Carter further alleged that multiple administrative employees approved his timesheets over the years with Campbell’s knowledge.
“This process for approving my timesheets was created with your full knowledge and at your direction,” Carter wrote.
Specific Overtime Example
Carter provided what he described as a specific example of the overtime approval process.
“On February 11, 2026, I worked at a benefit for Pat Brown, whose non-profit organization is located in Precinct 8. You directed me to work this event and to pick another employee to work with me,” Carter wrote.
According to Carter, employee Lori Green also worked the event and submitted her overtime paperwork through him.
“As you have instructed since 2021, Ms. Green turned in her overtime paperwork to me. As Chief Deputy Constable, I approve her overtime and I reported my overtime on my weekly timesheet. This is how I have reported my overtime at your direction,” Carter wrote.
“You told me early on that you had no interest in approving my timesheet, nor any intention to approve employee timesheets, which I understand is your prerogative as elected Constable,” Carter wrote.
Alleged Resignation Pressure
Carter wrote that Campbell told him Tarrant County Commissioner Roderick Miles Jr. had been in Campbell’s office on May 20, 2026, and that officials had concerns regarding Carter’s overtime compensation. Carter alleges that shortly afterward, Campbell pressured him to resign.
In his letter, Carter claimed Campbell discussed the meeting with him and warned him about potential consequences.
“You discussed other details from your conversation with Miles. Recall that you did not request, nor did you require, that I turn in overtime sheets for approval,” Carter wrote.
Carter further alleged that Campbell threatened him with possible criminal charges and suggested resignation as a way to avoid further action.
Carter’s May 26 letter alleges Campbell suggested resignation as Carter’s “only option” amid concerns over overtime records. | Image obtained by The Dallas Express
“During this conversation, you threatened me, you told me ‘they will file charges against [me]’ that will place my Texas Peace Officer’s License at risk,” Carter wrote.
“You told me I could resign and you would make this investigation and all possible charges go away. You said this was my only ‘option right now’ when ‘things are not looking good,’” Carter wrote.
Allegations Regarding County Vehicle Use
In his letter, Carter also accused Campbell of potentially misusing a county-owned vehicle while receiving a county vehicle allowance.
“I report what I believe is illegal conduct involving misuse of your Tarrant County car expense allowance,” Carter wrote.
Carter alleged that Campbell directed him to ensure a county-owned vehicle was available for Campbell’s use even while Campbell received a vehicle allowance from Tarrant County.
“I specifically advised you that your use of the Tarrant County Precinct 8 vehicle for your paid, off-duty work was improper,” Carter wrote.
Carter stated that after reconsidering the situation, he believed the conduct should be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities for review.
Administrative Leave And Legal Dispute
Documents reviewed by The Dallas Express show that Campbell placed Carter on administrative leave effective April 29, 2026, citing an investigation into Carter’s leadership decisions and conduct.
An April 29 notice placed Chief Deputy Donald L. Carter Jr. on administrative leave during an investigation into his leadership decisions and conduct. | Image obtained by The Dallas Express
The administrative leave notice instructed Carter not to discuss the investigation with county employees, elected officials, or potential witnesses while the investigation remained ongoing.
In a subsequent letter, Carter’s attorney argued that Campbell’s continued involvement in the matter could raise due process concerns because Campbell was both the subject of allegations and involved in employment decisions affecting Carter.
The attorney cited multiple court decisions, including Williams v. Pennsylvania, arguing that an individual should not simultaneously serve as both an accuser and decision-maker in a matter involving allegations against them.
Carter further alleged possible obstruction, retaliation, witness tampering, and abuse of official capacity. Those allegations have not been adjudicated.
Complaint Sent To Multiple Agencies
According to documents reviewed by The Dallas Express, Carter distributed his complaint and supporting allegations to members of the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, the Texas Rangers, the Office of the Texas Attorney General, and other governmental agencies.
The Dallas Express reached out to Campbell for comment on Carter’s allegations but did not receive a response by publication.
