Smith County Constable Investigation Continues

SMITH COUNTY � The investigation into the Smith County Precinct 3 Constable�s Office has taken a new turn. And that turn involves the appointment of a Special Prosecutor. Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham confirmed to KETK that he will ask Longview attorney Lance Larison to take over the investigation of Precinct 3 Constable Dustin Rust. Bingham says he wants to avoid any hint of favoritism in the case, but Constable Rust had a different view.

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. 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.