Texas Mom’s Arrest Over Facebook Post Spurs Controversy

A Texas mother, Jennifer Combs, faced arrest after using Facebook to gather complaints about Trinidad’s discolored water. She spent 23 hours in jail on a felony false alarm or report charge, but a grand jury decided not to indict her. Combs has filed a federal lawsuit claiming political retaliation.

Ongoing Controversy

The arrest of Combs did not mark the end of the issue. A man protesting outside Trinidad City Hall was also arrested. The charge was later dismissed, but the judge who decided the case, Shellena Bivens, was fired by the city officials soon after.

A judge with 16 years of service expressed disbelief at the controversy stemming from a Facebook post.

Bivens’ Decision and Aftermath

Bivens, the former municipal judge, shared insights on how she came to dismiss the disorderly conduct charge against Winston Noles, a protester and citizen journalist. The charge centered around claims that his protest sign offended a city worker, but Bivens found no supporting evidence. She instructed police to release him, emphasizing the lack of committed offense.

Political Retaliation Alleged

Combs and others allege that Bivens’ firing was politically motivated due to her legal decision. Former city employees Colby Reyes and another joined a wrongful termination lawsuit, claiming they were forced out for not lying about their reactions to protests.

Judge Bivens’ Allegations

Bivens shared recollections of a discussion with Charles Gregory, the police chief at the time of Combs’ arrest. She alleged that Gregory expressed intent against Combs. The CyberGuy team could not independently verify this statement, but Gregory had defended the initial arrest.

State Investigations

Trinidad’s water issues were confirmed by state investigators who documented violations within the water system. Two investigations revealed problems like failure to meet chlorine and iron standards. These reports do not verify all medical claims but highlight system deficiencies.

Texas Rangers Probe

The Texas Rangers launched an investigation into Trinidad amidst staff resignations at city hall. The city manager, city clerk, and new municipal judge all resigned, citing operational transitions as a concern.

The Role of Facebook

Combs claims her initial Facebook post was mass reported and removed, sparking a heated debate on free speech and evidence preservation. Former Judge Bivens criticized Meta’s handling of the post, stressing the importance of maintaining public records in civic disputes.

Key Takeaways

• Combs used Facebook to compile water quality complaints, resulting in her arrest.
• Noles protested the arrest and faced charges, which were later dismissed.
• Judge Bivens’ dismissal by the city council followed her judicial decision in the case.
• State investigations confirmed multiple water system violations.
• The Texas Rangers’ investigation and city staff resignations illustrate the case’s reach.

For further insights, listen to Judge Bivens’ discussion on The CyberGuy Report podcast.