Dishonorable Discharge for an East Texas Police Chief

TATUM — Former Tatum Police Chief Ron Martin, who resigned in January amid allegations that were brought against him by a Tatum resident who said she was forced to leave her home and drive while intoxicated, was given a dishonorable discharge from the department. According to KETK, Martin was originally given a general discharge, but it was amended and changed to a dishonorable discharge this past week.

This wasn’t the first time Martin has been accused of using his position inappropriately. A lawsuit was filed against Martin and Graham Central Station in Longview with the Eastern District of Texas after a man claimed he was removed from the club against his will, and Martin used pepper spray on him, according to court records. The lawsuit, which was dismissed about a year after it was filed, said Martin assaulted Terry Wallace on July 19, 2008 at the club.

There is also an open lawsuit against Martin in Rusk County after Robert Wade Hughes said he was pistol-whipped by Martin even though he was complying with his orders.