A Texas sheriff, Greg Capers, is currently under FBI investigation following numerous complaints of corruption lodged against him by his own deputies. The allegations against the sheriff have persisted for several years, and his agency’s response to a mass shooting has only intensified the scrutiny.
A woman who contacted federal agents revealed that she had met with two FBI investigators on two occasions in recent months to discuss what she considers a flawed investigation into her brother’s killing. Jenifer Jones disclosed that the FBI agents collected evidence implicating Sheriff Greg Capers and his staff in various misconduct and indicated that they were specifically looking into potential civil rights violations. During these extensive interviews, Jones claimed that the agents inquired about cases and events extending well beyond her brother’s death.
The interest of federal investigators in this rural sheriff comes in the wake of an Associated Press (AP) investigation that uncovered persistent allegations that Capers had turned a blind eye to his deputies’ misconduct and had neglected fundamental police duties while prioritizing asset seizures to bolster his office’s $3.5 million budget, often resulting in legal challenges.
The status and timeline of the FBI investigation remain uncertain, as many such probes do not culminate in criminal charges. An FBI spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied the existence of the investigation.
While Capers did not directly respond to calls for comment, his second-in-command, Chief Deputy Tim Kean, stated that they had not been contacted by federal agents but remained open to external scrutiny.
The investigation follows years of complaints made by the sheriff’s staff to state and federal law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Capers gained public attention in May during a protracted search for an individual who had fatally shot five neighbors in the county, located an hour’s drive from Houston. However, he faced criticism for initially providing inaccurate information about the deputies’ response time and for residents’ complaints of feeling overlooked and fearful of the sheriff.
The extensive time spent by FBI agents in meetings with Jenifer Jones underscores their significant interest in the information she has provided. Michelle Lee, a retired FBI agent in Texas, stated that this is a strong indication of an ongoing investigation, although she cautioned that such probes can remain under the radar for extended periods.
Jones initiated contact with the FBI during the summer, capitalizing on the increased attention on Capers following the mass shooting in the hope that this would facilitate drawing attention to the investigation into her brother’s death.
Jones’ brother, John Wayne Dodge, was fatally shot in 2020, and his son was arrested by sheriff’s deputies on a murder charge. However, in 2022, prosecutors dropped the case “in the interest of justice,” as per court records. Jones contends that another individual is responsible for her brother’s death and that this aspect was not adequately investigated.
You can also read: “Freak Accident” Claims Life of Ice Hockey Player Adam Johnson
Jones stated that her objective is to make county residents aware of an external authority they can turn to with complaints regarding the sheriff. She emphasized the need for a recourse for the victims in the county who might otherwise feel they have nowhere else to go.