GILMER, TX — Upshur County’s greatest political divide, a local lawyer said nearly a year ago, was created when the district attorney indicted three fellow elected officials.
Today, Upshur County Judge Dean Fowler is back on the job after two of the three charges filed against him were dismissed. But upheaval in the county government continues.
Cases against Sheriff Anthony Betterton and Commissioner Lloyd Crabtree — both stemming from a public comment ban a year ago — are pending. Fowler also still faces an additional charge.
It all started during a public comment session.
On Aug. 31, 2010, Commissioner James Crittenden stepped down from his seat on the Commissioners Court bench to speak as a resident during the public comment period the court always included on its agenda.
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