The Collin County Observer™

Corruption in the Collin County District Clerk’s Office – Officials indicted for Third Degree Felonies

District Clerk, Patricia Crigger, Former District Clerk, Hannah Kunkle, and Deputy Chief District Clerk, Rebecca Littrell were indicted this afternoon. A Collin County Grand Jury charged the three officials with 3rd degree felonies of Abuse of Official Capacity between the amounts of $20,000 and $100,000. They each face up to 2 to 10 years in the State Prison and or $10,000 fine if convicted.

Hannah Kunkle	Patricia Wysong Crigger

• Former elected District Clerk, Hannah Kunkle was charged with 2 counts of Abuse of Official Capacity.
• Patricia Crigger, the current elected District Clerk, and the previous Deputy Chief District Clerk was indicted for one charge of Abuse of Official Capacity.
• Rebecca Littrell, the appointed Deputy Chief District Clerk was also indicted for two charges of Abuse of Official Capacity.

The Texas Rangers raided the Collin County Courthouse in June 2010 pursuant to a subpoena seeking computers and documents after District Clerk employees were suspected of giving employees paid leave for helping Patricia Crigger campaign for District Clerk during the 2010 election.

Last year a Grand Jury indicted District Clerk Patricia Crigger and 5 District Clerks and supervisors. Last month a special prosecutor dismissed all charges, but stated there was still an investigation in the works, and that charges may still be made.

This is the first time that Hannah Kunkle has been formally charged in the corruption case.

The county website does not yet show the warrants or hearing dates.

Bill

The Collin County Observer is now open for business (again).

On a personal point:

I know there for almost eight months there were few posts during my illness - and that the Observer has lost many readers since there was nothing here to read. I am sorry that I was unable to report to you. Yet, I have been overwhelmed by so many of our readers who had called and written. I thank all who wished me well and told me they missed the Observer.

I am very grateful. It is now time to jump on the saddle. The Observer is alive and well... the "OPEN" sign is lit.

Bill