A former municipal judge in Trinidad, Texas, alleges she was fired in retaliation for dismissing a disorderly conduct charge against a citizen journalist. The incident is part of a widening controversy that began after a Texas mother was arrested for posting about the town's discolored water on Facebook.
Shellena Bivens, who served as Trinidad's municipal judge for 16 years, stated in an interview that she believes the Trinidad City Council fired her because she dismissed a charge against Winston Noles, also known as Otto the Watchdog. Noles was arrested for protesting outside City Hall after Jennifer Combs, the mother who posted about the water on Facebook, was herself arrested on a felony charge.
Combs was arrested on a charge of false alarm or report after using Facebook to collect complaints about the town's water. A grand jury later declined to indict her, and she has filed a federal lawsuit alleging political retaliation. The city has not admitted that retaliation motivated its actions regarding Bivens.
Bivens described the case involving Noles, explaining that he was arrested on a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge. The police department's case reportedly centered on a claim that Noles' protest sign had offended the city's water clerk. Bivens stated that the evidence presented did not support the charge and repeatedly told officers they needed to release Noles. She ultimately dismissed the charge, asserting that Noles had not committed a crime.
Shortly after Bivens dismissed Noles' charge, the Trinidad City Council voted 3-1 on May 28 to dismiss her from her position. Bivens reported that upon her return to work, her office security code had been changed, effectively barring her entry.
The controversy has also drawn scrutiny to the warrant process. Henderson County District Judge R. Scott McKee reportedly sent a letter to then-Police Chief Charles Gregory questioning the accuracy and completeness of information provided by two Trinidad officers in connection with Combs' arrest. The letter indicated that the officers had failed to disclose citizen complaints and water quality concerns, as well as other information that could have provided context for Combs' Facebook post.
State investigators from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality confirmed deficiencies in Trinidad's water system. Their findings documented that the system failed to meet state minimums for total chlorine and iron. A subsequent investigation resulted in four violations related to chloramine-effectiveness sampling and maintenance issues at the water treatment plant, including one sample with a color unit reading above the recommended maximum.
One Trinidad family has alleged that their teenage daughter suffered a serious skin reaction, described in medical records as likely chemical burns or severe dermatitis from water exposure, after showering. While the medical assessment suggests a link, it remained unclear whether the town's water treatment process was the definitive cause. The family was considering legal action.
In July, the Texas Rangers confirmed they had opened an investigation into matters involving Trinidad, though the scope was not disclosed due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry. The same month, all three Trinidad city hall staff members resigned, including the city manager, city clerk, and the municipal judge who had replaced Bivens.
Bivens also recounted an alleged conversation with former Police Chief Charles Gregory after Combs' Facebook post, during which he reportedly made a statement about apprehending Combs. Gregory, who has since resigned, had previously defended the department's decision to arrest Combs, stating her post created unnecessary community fear and emergency response. CyberGuy has not independently verified Gregory's alleged statement.
Attorneys representing Trinidad have stated that the city cannot discuss case details due to active lawsuits, indicating that claims will be addressed in court. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the removal of Combs' post and concerns about free speech.
The unfolding events in Trinidad highlight the complexities of citizen complaints regarding public services, law enforcement responses, and local government actions. The Texas Rangers' investigation and the staff resignations indicate the significant impact this controversy has had on the town.