In a shocking twist to an ongoing investigation, a second Texas City government employee has been arrested for allegedly taking part in an online impersonation case targeting La Marque City Council member Joseph Lowry.
The arrest has raised concerns about misuse of taxpayer funds, ethics in local governance, and accountability among public officials.
Who Was Arrested and Why?
On Thursday morning, Jennifer Laird, the communications director for Texas City, was taken into custody and booked into Galveston County Jail on a $10,000 bond. She now faces a felony charge of online harassment, according to jail records.
Laird’s arrest comes just weeks after Derek Miller, a multimedia specialist, was accused of creating a fake Facebook profile using Councilman Lowry’s name and pictures.
What’s the Case About?
The case revolves around a fake Facebook account allegedly created to impersonate Councilman Lowry, possibly with the intent to mislead or defame. Authorities believe Miller and Laird, both government employees, were involved in the online impersonation.
The incidents reportedly took place during work hours and may have involved city-owned resources, which only adds to public outrage.
Lowry, who has had a tense relationship with Texas City Mayor Dedrick Johnson, said he suspects this is part of a broader pattern of harassment. He’s also accused city officials of targeting his business with unwarranted fire inspections and code enforcement actions.
Community Reaction: Frustration and Concern
The arrests have sparked concern among residents and taxpayers, especially regarding the use of public funds and resources. Brad Jones, an employee at Mainland Tools in Texas City, voiced his frustration:
“Personally, it’s pretty immature. It says a lot about this administration. There’s no telling how many other fake accounts.”
Jones also raised the question of whether legal fees for the arrested employees would end up being covered by taxpayers, since the actions reportedly occurred during work hours.
Lack of Transparency from City Officials
Attempts to get official comments from Texas City Hall were met with silence. The city secretary’s office was closed, and Mayor Johnson was unavailable for comment. As of Thursday evening, no official statement had been issued by the city.
Notably, back in July, Mayor Johnson had stated that Derek Miller was still employed with the city, which only intensifies public scrutiny over the city’s handling of the situation.
Councilman Lowry’s Reaction
Councilman Joseph Lowry praised the La Marque Police Department for their investigative work but said he remains deeply concerned.
“It’s devastating, and I wonder how many other victims there are.”
Lowry has been an outspoken critic of Mayor Johnson, and he believes this online impersonation could be a form of political retaliation.
What Happens Next?
With the arrest of Jennifer Laird and previous charges against Derek Miller, the spotlight is now on Texas City’s administration. Residents and media outlets are demanding:
Clear statements from Mayor Johnson and city leaders
Full transparency about the use of public resources
Clarification on whether the accused are still employed
Assurance that taxpayer funds won’t be used for their legal defense
The arrest of two Texas City employees for allegedly impersonating a sitting councilman on social media has exposed troubling cracks in local governance. With silence from the city and increasing pressure from the community, this case is far from over.
The coming days may bring more clarity—or more controversy—as investigations continue and public demands for accountability grow louder.
