East Texas water company investigated for embezzlement
Posted/updated on: September 17, 2025 at 4:02 pm
UPSHUR COUNTY — The Texas Rangers have been called in to investigate an East Texas water supply company after more than $100,000 is suspected to have been embezzled, according to a report from our news partner KETK. The Upshur County District Attorney’s Office said this is not the first time they’ve heard of these complaints.
Union Grove Water Supply Corporation is reportedly missing more than $100,000, which the board believes may have been embezzled by an office employee. In 2013, they prosecuted and recovered more than $40,000 in restitution back to the water department. In 2023, $8,000 was stolen from a different employee and the person was prosecuted and the money was given back to the department.
As this complaint is the third of its kind, Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd has asked the Texas Rangers to investigate the issue and bring anyone who was involved or assisted in any crime to be prosecuted. Byrd has asked customers not to pay in cash and to check any irregularities in the amount paid and the amount withdrawn from their accounts.
If there are any discrepancies, people are asked to reach out to his office.
