The Trinidad City Council made headlines on Thursday when it voted to dismiss its municipal judge following her decision to drop charges against a protestor. This contentious meeting unfolded amidst ongoing concerns regarding the city’s water quality, which were not addressed during the session.
This was the first time council members convened since the arrest of citizen journalists Jennifer Combs and Winston Noles, who were taken into custody for speaking out about the troubling water issues plaguing Trinidad. Combs has initiated legal action against the city, and former employees Alex Estrada and Colby Reyes have also filed lawsuits, alleging wrongful termination linked to Noles’ protest.
During the meeting, attorney C.J. Grisham confronted Trinidad Police Chief Charles Gregory, accusing him of tarnishing the reputation of the police department. In response, Gregory asserted that he had “nothing to hide,” urging any desire for investigation to be fulfilled, particularly referencing comments made by Trinidad Mayor Dennis Haws about inviting the Texas Rangers to look into the situation.
The council’s decision to terminate Municipal Judge Shellena Bivens followed her dismissal of charges against Noles. Bivens defended her record as a judge, asserting her integrity and insisting she had acted within legal boundaries.
Despite the significant water quality issues affecting residents of Trinidad, these concerns were notably absent from the council’s agenda during the meeting. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has confirmed a complaint regarding the city’s water quality and is currently conducting an investigation.
In light of the ongoing water issues, a law firm is collaborating with Consumer Wellness Center Labs to provide free independent water testing for those on Trinidad’s water supply while the TCEQ investigates.
The events leading up to the council meeting have been tumultuous, with multiple arrests and lawsuits stemming from residents’ efforts to voice their concerns about water safety. Combs was charged with felony false alarm after she posted on social media about hospitalizations linked to the city’s water supply. A grand jury later declined to indict her, and she has since filed a federal lawsuit claiming her arrest was politically motivated.
Charges against Noles, who protested against police actions with a sign at City Hall, have also been dismissed, highlighting the growing scrutiny of the Trinidad Police Department amidst public outcry regarding First Amendment rights and water safety.
Additionally, two former employees of Trinidad have filed wrongful termination lawsuits against the city, citing their dismissals as retaliatory actions for refusing to support Gregory’s narrative. One former employee alleges that Gregory fabricated a story to justify the arrest of Noles, despite her written statement indicating she was not offended by him.
Residents concerned about the safety of Trinidad’s water supply are encouraged to participate in free testing by contacting the law firm involved.
