Written by Amanda Coers – Brownwood News recently received an anonymous email with two attachments: an audio recording of a police interview with Brian Keith Allen, a courthouse maintenance employee charged in 2012 with illegally distributing prescription medications to other county employees within the courthouse, including Brown County Judge Ray West; and a report of the investigation by Texas Ranger Danny Crawford.
Both the Texas Ranger’s report and the audio recording of the interview with Brian Keith Allen indicate Judge Ray West received carisoprodol (Soma) tablets from Allen on multiple occasions at the Brown County Courthouse.
Soma is a prescription muscle relaxer often abused for its sedative effects. When taken in high doses, Soma causes drowsiness, giddiness, and relaxation. When Soma is combined with hydrocodone (most often Vicodin) it produces effects similar to those of heroin.
On Monday, November 19, 2012, deputies with the Brown County Sheriff’s Office arrested Brian Keith Allen for manufacture delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a dangerous drug after information was presented that narcotics were going to be delivered at the courthouse. Allen was caught in the act of the delivery and arrested.
The report also includes testimony from former Brown County Election Administrator Suzanne Young, who told investigators she had seen Brian Keith Allen handing pills to Judge Ray West in his office.
Suzanne Young was removed from her position as the County Election Administrator after being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated in November 2014 when she crashed into the Vine Street underpass. Young admitted to police she had prescription medication in her system at the time of the accident.
Judge Ray West has filed for reelection for the county judge seat in the upcoming March 6, 2018 primary election. Paul Lilly has also announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to be the next Brown County Judge.
The audio file of the police interview with Brian Keith Allen can be heard here:
Included below is the investigation report from Texas Ranger Danny Crawford:
