Brown County Judge Pro Tem Joel Kelton issued the following statement Monday afternoon:

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, a Brown County Grand Jury returned multiple indictments against Brown County Judge Shane Britton. On Monday, November 24, Judge Britton was arrested by the Texas Rangers on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. Following his arrest, on Tuesday, November 25, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued an immediate suspension of Judge Britton’s duties.

First, I want the community to know that the county employees who observe matters of concern reported them promptly to the appropriate authorities. Their reports initiated an investigation conducted over many months by external agencies, during which a special prosecutor and an out-of-county judge were appointed to ensure impartiality.

The County Judge position includes both administrative and judicial responsibilities. As the previously appointed judge pro tem, I will serve as County Judge Pro Tem and fulfill the administrative duties of the office. For judicial responsibilities, Judge Frank Griffin has been assigned all criminal cases in Brown County Court beginning Nov. 24 through Feb. 28, 2026. Judge Sam Moss has agreed to preside over civil, juvenile, and probate matters to assist with managing the dockets and minimizing the costs to the county. These transitions will help prevent disruptions to the work of the Commissioners Court and the upcoming court schedules.

Regarding the charges against Judge Britton, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further. I will simply state that all appropriate steps have been taken – and will continue to be taken – to ensure public trust in our county officials and to uphold the integrity of our judicial system.