Bingham Comments on Waller/Fite Situation

TYLER — Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham weighs in on a matter involving two Whitehouse officials, and Bingham’s not happy with the situation.

Our news partner KETK has learned the investigation into Whitehouse Police Chief Rick Waller has been called off after his resignation. Waller announced that resignation Thursday, and it’s effective today. Waller and Volunteer Fire Chief Ronny Fite had been under investigation for what were termed “financial irregularities.” Waller was accused of using city gasoline for personal use and was placed on paid leave. The two have denied any wrongdoing, and no charges against Fite or Waller have ever been formally filed. But Whitehouse city leaders are asking the investigation to continue for Fite unless he resigns as well.

Bingham (pictured) says if the charges were dismissed against one, they should be for both. Bingham remarked, “The DA’s office is not some kind of pawn for the city of Whitehouse to use to force the resignation of somebody. If there’s a criminal case, fine, take it some where else. Not here.” Bingham says he’s not going to be a hall monitor for small town politics.