Eagle Pass, TX – June 14, 2025 – Maverick County residents are increasingly worried about the leadership of the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, pointing to Sheriff Tom Schmerber’s repeated absence from critical meetings and public engagements. During the June 11, 2025, Maverick County Commissioners Court meeting, concerns surfaced about the sheriff’s failure to attend budget discussions, respond to media requests, and appear in court, raising questions about who is effectively leading the department.

A local resident described the Sheriff’s Office as operating “like a body without a head,” suggesting that Sheriff Schmerber is no longer in control. “The employees are running the show,” the resident claimed, highlighting a perceived lack of oversight and accountability. County Judge Ramsey English Cantu echoed these concerns, expressing frustration over the sheriff’s absence from a key meeting to discuss budget amendments essential for the Sheriff’s Office operations.

“I respectfully request that the sheriff, as an elected official, show the decency to attend and advocate for his department,” Judge Cantu said. He noted that while the Commissioners Court has supported the Sheriff’s Office with grants for vehicles and equipment, the sheriff’s absence hinders collaborative efforts to address critical needs, including vehicle repairs and prisoner medical expenses.

The Commissioners Court reviewed budget amendments totaling $44,478 for Sheriff’s Office vehicle repairs. However, concerns were raised about the department’s justification for these requests. Judge Cantu highlighted a troubling trend of funds being transferred from the prisoner medical budget to cover other expenses, such as vehicle repairs and operational costs. “If funding for prisoner medical care is insufficient, the Sheriff’s Office is putting this county at significant liability,” Cantu warned. He cited potential legal risks, including lawsuits for violating constitutional obligations to provide adequate inmate healthcare, as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 16.21 and federal case law like Estelle v. Gamble (1976). Such liabilities could lead to substantial financial penalties and reputational damage for Maverick County.

Cantu emphasized that the prisoner medical budget is a critical line item that must be safeguarded to ensure inmate health and safety, for which the county is legally responsible. “When funds are reallocated from this budget without clear justification or oversight, we risk falling short on our obligations,” he said. Without Sheriff Schmerber’s direct involvement in budget discussions, it remains unclear whether these transfers reflect strategic planning or mismanagement within the department. Cantu urged the sheriff to provide detailed explanations for these reallocations to prevent shortfalls that could compromise inmate care and expose the county to legal risks.

Further fueling controversy, Sheriff Schmerber recently faced criticism for a recorded political endorsement made while in uniform and inside the Sheriff’s Office, a tax-funded facility. The endorsement, supporting a mayoral candidate, has sparked questions about potential violations of the Texas Election Code. Texas Election Code Section 39.02 prohibits public officers from using their authority to interfere with elections, including making endorsements in an official capacity. Additionally, Texas Government Code Section 556.004 restricts state employees from using official resources for political activities, which could apply to the use of the Sheriff’s Office for such purposes.

Commissioner Morales, who sponsored several budget amendments for the Sheriff’s Office, acknowledged the efforts of the sheriff’s staff but stressed the need for leadership from the elected official. “The sheriff needs to be here to advocate for his employees and residents,” Morales said. “We’ve done our part, but he must step up.”

Residents and officials are calling for greater transparency and accountability from Sheriff Schmerber. As Maverick County navigates budget challenges and public safety demands, the sheriff’s absence from key discussions, combined with concerns over the misuse of critical budget line items like prisoner medical funds, continues to fuel unease about the Sheriff’s Office’s direction.

For more information, residents can access the full Commissioners Court meeting transcript on the Maverick County website or submit an open records request.