Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen has filed a lawsuit against the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) to prevent the suspension of his peace officer’s license for 10 years.
Background on the Dispute
TCOLE initially recommended revoking Fullen’s license in June 2024, alleging that he failed to disclose disciplinary actions, lawsuits, and prior arrests on personal history statements filed with two law enforcement departments.
However, after Fullen was elected sheriff in November 2024, state law prevented TCOLE from revoking his license outright. The Texas Occupations Code states that a peace officer’s license can only be revoked if the individual is convicted of a felony or a crime directly related to their duties as an officer.
Legal Action Against TCOLE
Instead of revoking the license, TCOLE later filed an amended complaint seeking a 10-year suspension. Fullen has responded with a lawsuit, arguing that such a suspension is effectively a revocation and exceeds TCOLE’s legal authority.
Fullen’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, criticized TCOLE’s actions, stating, “By seeking a 10-year suspension, TCOLE has grossly overstepped. They are trying to do via administrative procedure what they couldn’t do at the ballot box.”
The lawsuit requests a Galveston County judge to rule that a 10-year suspension would violate Fullen’s rights.
Opposition to Fullen’s Lawsuit
Retired Galveston County Sheriff’s deputy Kenneth Williams, who filed the original complaint against Fullen, supports TCOLE’s disciplinary action. Williams argues that Fullen’s omissions and false statements warrant accountability, calling the lawsuit “frivolous and without merit.”
TCOLE has not yet issued a public response to the lawsuit. The case now moves forward in Galveston County court.
