TCOLE accepts a slate of default suspensions and continues summary suspension for indicted chief pending criminal outcome
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Summary
The commission approved multiple default suspension and revocation orders and accepted staff recommendations on agreed waivers. In a summary‑suspension hearing, the commission voted to keep Chief Johnny Newsom's peace‑officer license suspended while his felony theft charge proceeds; counsel argued the indictment was politically motivated.
The commission's enforcement docket on Feb. 12 included multiple default discipline orders, agreed waivers and contested suspension matters.
Assistant General Counsel Mark Duncan summarized a set of default suspension recommendations that the executive director sought for licensees who did not respond to notices; the commission voted to accept the default suspension orders for several named licensees (motions recorded and carried). The commission also accepted two default revocation recommendations where the respondents did not contest the charges.
Staff then presented agreed waivers and administrative penalties, including a $2,500 administrative penalty agreement with the Brooks County Sheriff's Office and a 14‑day agreed suspension for Aurelio Garza; commissioners approved those agreements.
The meeting included a summary‑suspension proceeding for Johnny Newsom, chief of a small municipal department, who was indicted for theft of property by a public servant (alleged $2,500–$30,000 range). The commission’s ALJ recommended continued suspension pending resolution of the criminal case, and staff urged the commission to accept that Proposed Findings of Fact and Decision. Newsom’s attorney, CJ Grisham, argued the charges were politically motivated and asked the commission not to suspend; Newsom addressed the board about small‑town policing duties and community impacts. After discussion the commission voted to accept the ALJ’s recommendation and keep Newsom’s license suspended during the pendency of criminal proceedings.
Other contested matters presented on the docket included suspension proposals arising from DWI convictions and licensing‑related falsified reports; commissioners voted on multiple individual sanctions following staff presentations and ALJ recommendations.