On Thursday, February 19, 2026, The Examiner reported that allegations of misconduct have emerged against Justice of the Peace Justin Chesson, who is currently campaigning for re-election in Jefferson County Precinct 4. The Examiner’s investigation into these claims, however, has raised questions about the validity of at least one key complaint.
While it was publicly claimed that formal complaints were filed with the Texas Ethics Commission and the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, official responses from these agencies indicate that no such filings exist. A review of emails from these organizations, as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety, confirmed that there is no record of a sworn complaint or any active investigation targeting Chesson.
According to Jacqueline R. Habersham, Executive Director of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, no complaints against Chesson were filed in or around September 2025, and no complaints are currently pending. Jordan T. Hunn, Deputy Director of Enforcement at the Texas Ethics Commission, also confirmed that a search of their records revealed no sworn complaints against Chesson.
In an effort to address the allegations, Chesson himself requested information from the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding any potential investigations by the Texas Rangers. The DPS reported that a thorough search yielded no records of an open investigation.
Despite the lack of formal ethics complaints, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) has confirmed that it is investigating allegations concerning Chesson and Precinct 4 Constable Bryan Werner. These allegations involve their handling of a case involving a minor victim of sexual abuse.
The allegations stem from claims made by Alan Roberts, a former Deputy Constable for Precinct 4. Roberts alleges that in 2023, a minor disclosed instances of sexual abuse by her guardian, Mark Marceaux, during a meeting that included Chesson and Werner. According to Roberts, the officials failed to report these allegations to the appropriate authorities and dismissed the child’s claims.
The allegations against Chesson gained traction following Marceaux’s arrest in September 2025 on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14. A probable cause affidavit revealed that Marceaux admitted to sexually assaulting the child during a therapy session. The therapist then notified authorities.
Detective Supervisor Chad Williamson of the JCSO stated that Marceaux admitted to touching the child and engaging in sexual acts over an extended period, beginning in 2023.
Roberts claims to have witnessed the interaction in 2023 and subsequently warned Chesson and Werner of their legal obligation to report the allegations. He claims that instead of initiating an investigation, the officials confronted the minor and accused her of lying.
Roberts has provided a sworn written statement to the local sheriff’s office, which he claims aligns with the details provided in his report to the ethics commission. He also stated that there was a second witness to the alleged interaction.
As of now, no formal charges or findings of wrongdoing have been announced against Chesson. The JCSO has confirmed an ongoing investigation, and Roberts has made a statement to law enforcement. Under Texas law, proceedings and records of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct remain confidential unless formal charges or sanctions are issued.
Source: The Examiner
