Grassroots Critical of Smith County District Attorney’s Office

SMITH COUNTY — In an impassioned speech Monday morning, Grassroots Executive Director JoAnn Fleming was critical of the Smith County District’s Attorney’s Office handling of vacation time. KETK reports, Fleming said their organization planned to bring forward the issue after the election, but expedited their findings after First Assistant District Attorney April Sikes issued a statement on Facebook in regard to the matter. Sikes released her statement after a DPS memo was shared revealing District Attorney candidate Jacob Putman had contacted the Texas Rangers for whistleblower protections. The documents also stated Putman did not care if the information was acted upon, but wanted protections if District Attorney Matt Bingham tried to fire him.

The case was closed in late January, citing insufficient evidence for a criminal investigation by the Texas Rangers. In Sikes response, she claimed the actions by Putman were “vindictive” and “unfounded.”

During the 1:30 p.m. press conference, Fleming shared documentation supporting the idea Sikes had been taking paid time off, without entering in vacation time, essentially leading to a double dip of taxpayer money. Fleming stated any untaken vacation is paid out to employees when they leave Smith County. Sikes allegedly did not report time off in 2012 and numerous other years, and as recently as 2016, according to Fleming. Fleming stated emails, key card swipes at the courthouse and check stubs back the claims.