POSTED: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - 8:52am
UPDATED: Thursday, April 19, 2012 - 11:07am
SMITH COUNTY — UPDATE: Smith County Precinct 3 Constable Dustin Rust was booked in to the Smith Couny Jail on April 17th, just before 6:00pm, and was released less than 30 minutes later.
In reaction to the interview Constable Rust gave KETK on Tuesday morning, Judge Jack Skeen has issued a gag order that applies to those involved in this case.
KETK will have more updates for you throughout the day on this developing story.
TUESDAY UPDATE: KETK was first to interview Smith County Precinct 3 Constable Dustin Rust following Monday's indictment.
On Tuesday morning, KETK met with Constable Rust, who told reporter Roger Gray that he will fight all charges, though he is not certain exactly what those charges are.
Rust tells KETK, he expects that he will be arrested Tuesday. He also believes that will most likely be given a high bond, but has not yet decided if he will bond out of jail.
During Tuesday's interview, Constable Rust said that the whole situation is politically motivated, and that the Smith County District Attorney's office wants to take away his ability to serve as a peace officer. He believes that the DA's office wants him removed because he "makes too many waves".
KETK's Roger Gray has been covering this story since it began. Check back to KETK throughout the day for more updates.
MONDAY: Precinct 3 Constable Dustin Rust went before a grand jury today.
And he has been indicted.
This is the latest wrinkle in the investigation that centers around off-duty security work done by his deputies at the Precinct.
About a month ago, District Attorney Matt Bingham turned the case over to a special prosecutor, attorney Lance Larison of Longview.
Rust has contended all along that the state rules and regulations regarding private work done by law enforcement, were met.
KETK has obtained a copy of a communication from special prosecutor Lance Larison to the last of the 4 deputies Monty Ward, telling him he will not be prosecuted, but warning that if he talks to the press, he may be charged after all.
This sword of Damocles over the heads of the 4 deputies, leaves only Dustin Rust to possibly be charged.
And today he was.
Late in the day, KETK learned he had been charged with 2 felonies and a misdemeanor, including misuse of county equipment.
KETK contacted the special prosecutor for a comment, but he has not responded.