Marlin, Texas Municipal Council votes for the suspension of the Police Chief of Pay after being accused of investigating dog shelter

Marlin, Texas (KWTX) – Monday morning, the Marlin Local Council, in a special session, voted unanimously to suspend the chief of the James Hommel police for 60 days with payment, as he is waiting for a trial.

This comes just a few days after being arrested and charged following an investigation into the deaths of several dogs in the shelter Marlin last year.

This accusation includes a number of cruelty compared to animals that are not animals, torture and abandonment. Robert Thomas and animal control officer Nicole Grams were also arrested and charged.

Arrest buds made in investigating Marlin's animal shelter — Arrest buds made in investigating Marlin’s animal shelter(Sheriff’s Office in Falls County)

The Sheriff’s office in Falls County said they didn’t have the Hommel boss.

On March 3, Marlin City Hall was full of police officers, animal lawyers and residents, all eager to hear the future of the chief of Hommel.

Those present, such as resident Bridgett Burleson, say there was a mixture of emotions after hearing the Council’s decision.

“Well, I’m disappointed,” Burleson shared, “I saw that so many things happen here in Marlin, who are swept under the carpet and no one is responsible for.”

But there was also a feeling of relief from those who spent last year protesting and fighting for justice.

Joy Bastow and Debra Wells with the Marlin dog group say today’s decision was a step forward. “I’m glad to hear that it was suspended,” Castow said.

While Wells says he feels: “He relieved that we are right now. I look forward to a better point in the future, a right point. “

But they say their struggle hasn’t been over yet. Hommel will now have to go through the judicial system, which could mean that he is tried at the district.

“We hope that we will receive a correct shaking and that it passes through the judicial system, not through a plea agreement,” said Bastow.

There is still a lot of uncertainty, including whether the Jody Gilam District Office will be the one who will follow the case because of his relationship with the police department. Kwtx arrived at Gilam, who refused to comment.

“I hope she does what she needs and keep her accountable as if she was holding anyone else who crime with animals,” Burleson shared.

Hommel also faces several other charges of crime at the County Court. Bastow says their hope is that all this will end in a conviction.

“There are laws for a reason in the state of Texas,” she said, “because there will be a voice for animals and for anything else there must be a real conviction.”

The Municipal Council also discussed the current head of the police agreement in a closed session, deciding not to take measures at this time.

Hommel chief attended today’s special meeting, but told KWTX that he has no comment.