State revokes Scaman’s badge despite Russ’ decision

Falls County Sheriff Ricky Scaman no longer has a license to operate as a law enforcement officer for the State of Texas, despite the bond agreement signed by Falls County District Judge Bryan Russ just days after his arrest.

He was notified Monday, Sept. 28, by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement that he was to be removed from duty, effective immediately.

Scaman was released from Bell County Jail the night of Sept. 21 following an arrest by Texas Rangers earlier that day for one count of sexual assault (felony,) two counts of assault on a public servant (felony,) and two counts of official oppression (misdemeanor.)

The bond contract, originally dated Sept. 24, had a total of five out of 18 conditions removed before Russ would sign it, despite the number of recommendations that they be in place. The withdrawn conditions would have taken away Scaman’s badge, his ability to operate as an officer of the law without court approval, as well as his ability to carry a gun or operate a police vehicle.

An ankle monitor requirement was also rejected, but while out on bail he cannot leave Falls County or the State of Texas without permission. Bail was set at $195,000.

TCOLE confirmed last week that they would be diving deeper into the sexual assault allegations against him, with intent to review the decisions thus far.

The letter from TCOLE executive director, Kim Vickers, informing Scaman that he would no longer be holding a valid law enforcement license dictates that the nature of the allegations against the official “constitutes an immediate peril to the public health, safety and welfare.” 

This means that four out of the five recommendations for the case that were refused will be in effect.

While out on bail, Scaman cannot violate any laws or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He is not allowed to contact alleged victims, their families or significant others, or go within 500 feet of their work, home, school, or other places where they are likely to be, according to the conditions.

This is not the first time that these kinds of claims have been made about Scaman, who had two cases dismissed in Judge Alan Albright's court under similar pretenses during his time as Sheriff.

Falls County District Attorney Jody Gilliam immediately recused herself from the case. 

Officials from the Falls County Commissioners, Falls County District Attorney’s office, and the Falls County Judge’s office declined to comment on the matter, going as far as to refrain from discussing it during the commissioner’s court meeting on Sept. 28. 

Scaman will be represented by Hoagie Karels, local defense attorney. 

“It’s all a money game,” he claims. “That’s why they took him to Bell County.” 

He told reporters that Scaman plans to appeal the decision, as well as would be looking to strike some of the charges when it came time.

“If you look at the indictment, the same wording is in there twice,” he said. “It’s for legality and such, but it won’t stand in court.”

Scaman was set to make an official statement yesterday, Sept. 27. Additional details will be released in next week’s edition.

Refer to the article on page _ (page where other article is) for more details on the allegations against Scaman. Head to www.marlindemocrat.com for the latest information on this rapidly developing story.

The Marlin Democrat

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