BONHAM, Texas (KXII) — Former Fannin County Judge Creta Lynn “Spanky” Carter, II, along with five others, has been indicted for felony theft related to the courthouse restoration project. The indictment, which was handed down in late December, involves theft of property worth more than $150,000 but less than $300,000.
In addition to Carter, those indicted include current Precinct Two Commissioner Allen Self, former Precinct Four Commissioner Dean Lackey, Architexas employees David Chase and Anne Stimmel, and accountant Michael Rigler. The offense occurred on September 29, 2021.
The courthouse restoration project, which had failed inspection in August 2021, was under scrutiny when Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham explored legal actions against the involved parties. The failure of the project left county officials with the task of addressing significant repairs.
If convicted, the individuals face penalties ranging from five years to life in prison, and up to a $10,000 fine. Carter, who served as Fannin County Judge for two terms before being unseated in 2018, recently turned himself in and was released on bond.
Carter’s attorney, John Hunter Smith, issued a statement asserting that the former judge denies the allegations and looks forward to a jury trial. Smith called the charges a political move and expressed confidence that the facts will prove Carter’s innocence.
Carter’s next court date is scheduled for January 28.
