On Friday, January 3, 2025, KTEN reported that a Fannin County Grand Jury indicted Creta Lynn “Spanky” Carter II, the former two-term Fannin County Judge, on theft charges exceeding $150,000 but less than $300,000. The indictment is connected to a controversial renovation project for the county courthouse.
Carter’s legal representation has dismissed the allegations as unfounded, labeling them a “trumped-up charge” and alleging that the indictment is part of a broader “political witch hunt.” Alongside Carter, five other individuals, including both current and former county officials, have also been indicted in connection with the same case, which was initiated in December.
The former District Attorney, Richard Glaser, stated that the charges are directly associated with issues surrounding the courthouse renovation project. The indictment for all defendants is dated September 29, 2021. If found guilty of the first-degree felony, Carter could face a prison sentence ranging from five years to life, as well as a potential fine of $10,000.
Carter served as Fannin County Judge from 2010 until 2018, when he lost his attempt for a third term to Randy Moore. The individuals indicted alongside Carter include County Commissioner Allen J. Self, former County Commissioner Dean Lackey, and two employees from Architexas—David Chase and Anne Stimmel. Additionally, Michael Rigler, an accountant and Carter’s former bookkeeper, is included in the indictment. Rigler has a prior conviction for money laundering from 1999, for which he served four years in prison.
The renovation of the historic Fannin County Courthouse, which cost approximately $30 million, has faced scrutiny and delays, finally completed in March 2022. However, in August 2023, building inspectors reported that the courthouse was in “imminent danger” due to repairs that could pose a fire risk. Current Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham has been overseeing investigations into the renovation’s alleged deficiencies.
In response to the indictment, Carter’s attorney, John Hunter Smith, issued a statement affirming Carter’s denial of the allegations. Smith expressed eagerness for a jury trial, asserting that the evidence will demonstrate that the charges are politically motivated. He emphasized the belief that a jury of local citizens will recognize the situation as a product of small-town politics, driven by individuals with personal grievances rather than legitimate concerns for governance.
Source: KTEN
