Smith County Constable Released From Jail

TYLER — Smith County Constable Dustin Rust is free on bond and says he will fight the charges that have been filed against him. The Precinct 3 Constable turned himself in Tuesday following his grand jury indictment. His bond was set at $22,500. Rust was released a short time later. The special grand jury indictment stems from charges that Rust and his deputies had been running an unlicensed private security business.

Last month, Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham confirmed that he had asked Longview attorney Lance Larison to take over the investigation of the case. Bingham says he wanted to avoid any hint of favoritism in the case.

The case revolves around private security patrols that were provided by the Precinct 3 office for the Woods subdivision. Peace officers are allowed to do private security work, within certain limits. Rust says it ties to County Commissioner Cary Nix and his investigation into wrongdoing in Whitehouse. Rust claims the whole situation is politically motivated. Bingham says three of the deputies have cooperated with the probe and admitted their guilt. Rust is seeking reelection, and his father, Donn Rust, is running for sheriff.