UPDATE 9/30/11 – The District Clerks Office at the Brown County Courthouse released the indictment of County Commissioner Steve Adams on Friday.
The document reveals little new information on the case headed up by the Texas Attorney General’s Office except that the alleged activity took place on or about the 11th day of October, 2004 through on or about the 18th day of July, 2008. Neither specific accusations nor amount of money allegedly stolen are listed in the indictment. The document recaps the overall charge against Adams and that he allegedly committed the crime while serving as county commissioner.
The indictment does however list Adams’ name and date of birth incorrectly. The document states the indictment is for Steven Lynn Adams – DOB: 7/13/54, but Brown County jail records state that the commissioner’s full name is Steve Doyle Adams – DOB: 8/7/1957.
CLICK HERE for a copy of the filed indictment.
Original Story: Brown County Commissioner Steve Adams was indicted by the Brown County Grand Jury Thursday on the charge of Theft by a Public Servant, according to law enforcement officials. Shortly after 2:00pm, officials said that Adams had turned himself in to the Brown County Jail on the charges. Adams was booked into the jail and released today on a personal recognizance bond of $15,000.
After deliberating in multiple sessions which were conducted by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the jury determined there was enough evidence to indict Adams.
Adams has referred all comments to his attorney Jon Mark Hogg of San Angelo.
“Steve has been out taking care of the county’s business and has denied wrong doing all along,” stated Hogg. “Of course Steve and I would prefer there to be no indictment, but he has faith in the justice system, that when the case is tried, we’re confident that he will be exonerated.”
Although specific details of the case were not immediately available, Adams previously confirmed that the Texas Attorney General’s office opened a criminal investigation in January of 2009 which involved allegations related to theft of county funds for repairs to a bulldozer owned by Adams. As of Thursday afternoon, Hogg said that he had not seen the full indictment but expected it to be released within the next few days.
“The investigation’s been going on for 2 years and 9 months so Steve is anxious to get this resolved and get back to business,” Hogg said.
Although Adams faces the felony charge, Hogg stated that he will continue with work as usual.
“He’s going to continue to do his job serving the county as commissioner,” stated Hogg.
Adams has been a Brown County Commissioner for over 18 years.
