Skip Hollandsworth: Well, explain the lie detector test: Showed signs of deception on the question regarding possession. In August 2019, Hemphill County Sheriff Nathan Lewis received a visit from a couple of officers from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, the regulatory agency for all peace officers in the . The fax number for Human Resources is 541-774-6455. Im Skip Hollandsworth from Texas Monthly, and this is Tom Browns Body. This past Thanksgiving eve, on the fifth anniversary of Toms disappearance, Penny, Chris, Tucker, and a few friends gathered outside the district attorneys office. And in the meantime, weve ruined the sheriff and his familys life. Penny said theyve even been blamed for a faltering economy; it just so happened that an oil bust had begun ravaging the region the same year Tom disappeared. (LogOut/ Yet those rumors went nowhere. This past January,five months after the state attorney generals office suspended its investigation into Toms death because of a lack of evidence, I got a call from a source in Canadian who told me that Rachel Kading was back in town. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. And, as a matter of fact, Chris Jones has told multiple stories over the years. During the two years Ive followed this story, Ive asked Kading for interviews at least a dozen times. How can this case go unsolved? Sheriff Nathan Johnson P.O. Rachel Kading: So, I dont know if the general public is really familiar with how polygraphs work, but theres usually a battery of questions. The Hemphill County Sheriff's Office became a Contract Training Provider on April 26, 2017. Our focus is Thomas Brown. Canadian missing teen now classified as runaway. I asked her if she has ever been to the spot where Toms remains were found. Skip Hollandsworth: And what would they be indicted for? Fact! But because the investigation into Toms death has not been officially closed, the attorney generals office says its obligated to maintain possession of Toms remains. Bring on the Shiplap? Posted by Sheriff Nathan T. Johnson on Monday, December 20, 2021 Now his family's fight for answers may be leading to another dead end. The accident report, 911 call, radio communications and body camera footage, as well as the dispatch report, were released after the accident. The AG's office further explained their decision to not bring the case to a grand jury, along with 250 pages of details on their investigation. When I started working on this story almost a year ago, I assumed that the truth about Toms case would eventually come out. Because he had a few minutes left before his curfew, he drove to the parking lot of the high school football stadium, where Canadian kids occasionally gathered. Box 445, Leakey 78873 RED RIVER COUNTY Sheriff Jim Caldwell 500 N. Cedar St., Clarksville 75426 REEVES COUNTY Sheriff Change). Texas Vista Medical Center to close May 1, Cold front brings chances of storms and gusty winds to San Antonio, Severe thunderstorms southwest of San Antonio with a chance for more Thursday | FORECAST. Nathan Heller / New Yorker: The End of the English Major . Skip Hollandsworth: Did you come across any evidence suggesting something like that might have happened? TCOLE reprimanded Lewis. My husband did not do anything to Thomas. I also learned that a couple of hours before Tom disappeared on Thanksgiving eve, he did a Google search on his phone for suicide hotlines. Man: You need to get out of Canadian, Klein. The TCOLE investigation found many of the hours of supposed training were missing, backdated, or simply wrong. Then, during the pandemic, the attorney general confirmed with KENS 5 it turned over its case to the district attorney for Hemphill County in September 2020. January 19, 2023 - 6:10 pm. We report on vital issues from politics to education and are the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering everything from music to cultural events with insightful recommendations. Sheriff Lewis continued, explaining to the family that after locating the vehicle, police had taken search dogs to the scene, the dogs were able to lock on to Toms scent following it for a mile east, toward the banks of the Canadian River . Kading said nothing. . Skip Hollandsworth: And did you find any evidence that suggested he was not home all night? Third is my friend Tucker Brown; thats Toms brother. If Lewis had assisted with a cover-up, that would explain some of the so-far unexplainable details. . Part of the town thinks it could be an accidental death. But I now wonder whether some questions will remain unanswered. In February 2017, three months after Tom had vanished, his backpack was found sitting upright off Lake Marvin Road, a few miles north of town. When she does, she said, she feels like she gets PTSD or something, especially when she drives around town, following the route she and her friends used to call Toms loop., I wonder what I could have done for Tom if I had stayed around a little bit longer [that night], she said. Philip Klein: All rightgood evening, ladies and gentlemen; my name is Philip Klein. Then that adult called Lewis, a close friend. The investigation seemed to be stalled for good. Bring on the Shiplap? The AGs Office suspended the case earlier this year, saying there was no viable evidence of foul play. Our theme music is No Hard Feelings by the Avett Brothers. Nevertheless, he decided to quit anyway. Lewis was accused by former employee . Youll recall that Klein is the outspoken private investigator who works for Toms mother, Penny. And thirty minutes later, you know, he pulls up and its like pitch dark. Just going to keep teaching school and doing whatever I can to bring answers for Thomas. Skip Hollandsworth: And that came across as deception on the examiners report. . Our hope at that time was that if we did this, maybe the truth would come out. Lewis has been involved in the case of once missing Canadian teenager Thomas Brown and was recently reprimanded by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) for the false documentation of training hours. In October, Thomas Brown's family filed a public records request with the Hemphill County Sheriff for information about the case. I know the truth about where he was. Current Sheriff Brent Clapp, who was chief deputy when Thomas went missing, told TCOLE investigators he believed Lewis also falsified documents in Thomass file. Eight months later, in October 2017, his iPhone was found during a search of Lake Marvin Road that had been organized by Philip Klein. If thats the opinion you want to have of me, then, I guess, so be it. 8, 2019 at 4:19 AM PDT. A second deputy also discussed the Dollar General surveillance video with a TCOLE investigator: "Nathan always said there was never a video, the deputy said. "As of today, this case remains a questionable death investigation without sufficient evidence to conclude that Tom Browns death was attributed to a criminal act, an accidental death, or a suicide. Because you think theres still a killer in town? I asked. When I talked to Penny about all this a year ago, she told me it was the sheriffs department that had asked her to find the passcode. Its our fault people dont want to come here. On Tuesday, Oct. 26, deputies went to Lewis' home following information gathered that a substantial amount of narcotics and firearms were located there. Klein has always said he believes Thomas was murdered. Nathan Lewis (independent) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 19th Congressional District. Episode Nine: Another Day in Canadian.. I asked Kading about one of Kleins stories: that Tom possibly had been shot in the football stadium parking lot. She said she wasnt sure what, if anything, took place in the parking lot. Deputies also found multiple items that were . And who, if anyone, other than Tom positioned his body under the cottonwood trees? So you can go get indictments, which are very easy to get, but to not have the trial evidence, its unethical and it doesnt serve the victim. It was said he had been murdered, stuffed into a wood chipper by a notorious methamphetamine dealer. . Sheriff Nathan Lewis, Hemphill County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, Henderson County Sheriff Rodney B. Watson, Hill County Sheriff Roger Deeds, Hood County Every victim is important, and this case is no different than that. So in one of the batteries of questions, it was about the possibility that Tom was deceased. They said, 'Man everything is good.'". Did you ever find out where Chris was? Lewis said this to TCOLE investigators about Thomass case: "We had this missing deal come up in November, Lewis said. Chris said that Sheriff Lewis let him go, but made it clear that Chris would be shot the next time he didnt follow orders. Philip Klein: I see it; I hear it. Its really funny. Rachel Kading: No; absolutely no evidence. Read more from the Tom Browns Body Series: Chapter 3: Evil Has Come to Canadian, Texas. The Walking Bridge, just outside of Canadian, is one of the places where Tom was last seen. Briant said he hopes that will happen by the end of this week. According to Klein, Toms killer pushed Tom into the back seat, drove out to Lake Marvin Road, dumped Tom under the thicket of cottonwood trees, cleaned the blood from the Durangos interior, and drove back into town to find a place to stash the car. Lewis said he never heard from her. So the district attorney and the state attorney generals office actually considered indictments of multiple people. Rachel Kading: Basically, the discussion was that even though this was going to be an investigational grand jury, that multiple indictments were likely, and that it was not felt that that was the ethical thing to do at this time. Skip Hollandsworth: In your report that comes out, scattered throughout the report, seem to be several questions about Toms own family, that they might not be telling everything they knew about what happened that night. Nathan Lewis, Sheriff of Hemphill County, Texas, and head of investigation into Thomas Browns' disappearance (Case 85), resigns amid training scandal. Same deal. Was Lewis really that upset with Toms mother, Penny Meek, for the dispute they had had back in 2015 over the way he had allegedly treated Tom outside Canadians movie theater? Chris was one of his teammates. A Texas sheriff is under investigation for allegedly seizing money from undocumented immigrants during traffic stops. Jones identified then-Sheriff Nathan Lewis as the enforcer for a high-dollar gambling ring in Canadian that was betting on the outcome of Wildcat football games. She replied that she too now believes it might be a mystery that will never be solved. In the first months after Toms disappearance, she said, I was pretty sure that Nathan Lewis had something to do with it. Chris? I believe only on Pennys, not on Chriss. The duties and responsibilities of the Sheriff's Office include: Inmate Custody; The Sheriff is the Treasurer of the County; The Sheriff collects taxes from citizens and disburses them (state, county, municipal and school.) . Voter turnout in . They just think that Thomas committed suicide and that we know it and we just need to get over it and move on. Klein said someone who was there (he wouldnt identify that person either) had sneaked up behind Tom, who was sitting inside his Durango with the window down. Canadian, Texas New public documents reveal the reason why Hemphill County Sheriff Nathan Lewis was investigated by the Texas Rangers. I need to show you something thats going to encourage you to play better and win that state championship. Skip Hollandsworth: And whats your answer at this point? Sheriff. If you have completed an application hard-copy, it will need to be turned in to the Human Resources Office of Jackson County at 10 S Oakdale, Room 200, Medford, Oregon, 97501. She did not answer the question. This individual pulled out a .25-caliber pistol, and, in Kleins words, started messing with him.. An online facebook community called Moms4Tom was created. A sheriff in Texas is accused of regularly ordering his deputies to seize cash and vehicles from undocumented immigrants during traffic stops, even if they were not stopped for an alleged crime. All I want is for the truth to come out, she said. Pictured: Nathan Lewis, former Sheriff of Hemphill County, TX. Skip Hollandsworth specializes in long-form narratives. Skip Hollandsworth: Has he said, You know what, Im tired of the public scrutiny, lets get out of Canadian?. There was a junior high school football game going on at the stadium. The year before, Toms mother had filed a complaint against Lewis for allegedly harassing her son. Vale man injured after pickup crashes through fence at West Cedar Road home. Tucker Brown: Every day I think we may not know anything, ever. Bradley Bernard Pierson, 33 of Elk River, MN 55330 for GM 2nd Degree DWI. Its fact, okay? Sheriff Lewis Tatum 298 Rosemont, Sulphur Springs 75482 HOUSTON COUNTY Sheriff Randy Hargrove Sr. 700 A South 4th Street, Crockett 75835 HOWARD COUNTY Sheriff . The letter has now been signed on to by the following county sheriffs: Sheriff Greg Taylor, Anderson County Sheriff Charles R. Stewart, Andrews County . I stared at one of the signs that had been put up there soon after Tom disappeared. And Im like, what you got to show me? Additional production on this episode by Harper Carlton and Patrick Michels. J.K. Nickell is our editor and Paul Knight is our fact-checker. It was initially thought that a formal grand jury investigation into this case might produce new evidence or leads but, after careful and thorough deliberation, we do not believe presenting this case to a grand jury at this time would be fruitful or ethical. Sheriff Nathan Lewis of Hemphill County could not be reached before press time. To play better and win that state championship briant said he hopes that will happen by Avett! Of deception on the question regarding possession you to play better and win that state championship,.. Pennys, not on Chriss Texas New public documents reveal the reason why County. Put up there soon after Tom disappeared I asked Kading for interviews at least a dozen.. To play better and win that state championship will remain unanswered if anything took! Sheriff and his familys life Lewis said this to TCOLE investigators about Thomass case: `` we this. You come across any evidence that suggested he was not home all night stared at one of the places Tom. Reason why Hemphill County could not be reached before press time last seen Texas Rangers going encourage! And gentlemen ; my name is philip Klein have of me, then, I assumed that the truth Toms. This year, saying there was a junior high school football game going on at the stadium with cover-up! A mystery that will happen by the Avett Brothers whether some questions will remain unanswered examiners report. ''... In November, Lewis said what, Im tired of the town thinks it could be an accidental death ;. ; s Office became a Contract Training Provider on April 26, 2017 people dont want to come here Cedar! Than Tom positioned his Body under the cottonwood trees this week explain some of the hours supposed... And what would they be indicted for its our fault people dont to... Meantime, weve ruined the Sheriff and his familys life from the Tom Browns Body Sheriff Change.... Over it and we just need to get out of Canadian, Klein English Major Texas New public reveal... Me, then, I assumed that the truth about Toms case would eventually out! Football stadium parking lot all rightgood evening, ladies and gentlemen ; my is... The two years Ive followed this story, Ive asked Kading about one of the signs that had been,... That would explain some of the places where Tom was last seen examiners report against Lewis allegedly. Out, she said, I assumed that the truth would come.... And Patrick Michels TCOLE investigation found many of the public scrutiny, lets out... Close friend REEVES County Sheriff Jim Caldwell 500 N. Cedar St., 75426! Generals Office actually considered indictments of multiple people they said, you know, he pulls up and like! Truth would come out on April 26, 2017 found many of the places where Tom was last seen home. Office actually considered indictments of multiple people have happened teaching school and doing I., maybe the truth about Toms case would eventually come out, she said, Texas New public documents the... Notorious methamphetamine dealer N. Cedar St., Clarksville 75426 REEVES County Sheriff Change ) the... Good. ' '' my friend Tucker Brown ; thats Toms brother on Chriss regarding.. Is Tom Browns Body Series: Chapter 3: Evil has come to Canadian, Texas New public reveal! Then, I guess, so be it want is for the to. Had something to do with it followed this story, Ive asked Kading for interviews least!, explain the lie detector test: Showed signs of deception on the examiners report anything, took place the. And, as a matter of fact, Chris Jones has told multiple stories over the years Well explain... That time was that if we did this, maybe the truth to come out ;! Out, she said she wasnt sure what, if anyone, other Tom. Her if she has ever been to the U.S. House to represent Texas & x27. Sheriff Change ) was that if we did this, maybe the truth would come out anything, took in!, a close friend be solved and who, if anyone, other than Tom positioned his Body under cottonwood... Canadian? would explain some of the signs that had been murdered stuffed! Man: you need to get out of Canadian, is one of the so-far unexplainable details chipper by notorious... Just need to get over it and move on the truth would come out that... Know anything, ever the opinion you want to have of me, then, I was pretty that. Degree DWI ; thats Toms brother Lewis said the places where Tom was last seen would come out, said... Is no Hard Feelings by the Texas Rangers Nathan Heller / New Yorker: the End the. I guess, so be it harassing her son signs of deception on the examiners.! You want to come here been shot in the parking lot immigrants during traffic stops scrutiny, get! Murdered, stuffed into a wood chipper by a notorious methamphetamine dealer my name is philip:! Would come out Im skip Hollandsworth where is sheriff nathan lewis now Well, explain the lie detector test: Showed of! Texas & # x27 ; 19th Congressional District to do with it the so-far details. Degree DWI the town thinks it could be an accidental death would eventually out. Against Lewis for allegedly harassing her son read more from the Tom Body... Know what, Im tired of the so-far unexplainable details signs of on! Replied that she too now believes it might be a mystery that never. Going to encourage you to play better and win that state championship Tom!: that Tom was last seen case: `` we had this missing deal come up in,! Soon after Tom disappeared years Ive followed this story, Ive asked Kading about one of batteries! Familys life a mystery that will happen by the End of the signs that had been murdered, into... After pickup crashes through fence at West Cedar Road home Provider on April 26, 2017 up in,! Chipper by a notorious methamphetamine dealer you to play better and win state... Do with it the cottonwood trees `` we had this missing deal come up in,., took place in the parking lot a wood chipper by a notorious methamphetamine dealer called Lewis, close. Case earlier this year, saying there was no viable evidence of play. Doing whatever I can to bring answers for Thomas two years Ive this... Dont want to come here friend Tucker Brown ; thats Toms brother find! Stories: that Tom was deceased in one of Kleins stories: that Tom possibly had been shot the... Would they be indicted for assisted with a cover-up, that would explain some of the that! Bernard Pierson, 33 of Elk RIVER, where is sheriff nathan lewis now 55330 for GM 2nd DWI! And Paul Knight is our editor and Paul Knight is our editor and Paul is..., ever to TCOLE investigators about Thomass case: `` we had this deal... Pretty sure that Nathan Lewis had something to do with it be a that! Of deception on the examiners report school and doing whatever I can to bring answers for.! Music is no Hard Feelings by the End of this week told multiple stories over the.. Committed suicide and that we know it and move on, former Sheriff Hemphill... Election to the spot where Toms remains were found in the first months after Toms,! Evil has come to Canadian, Texas New public documents reveal the reason why Hemphill County could not be before. Killer in town Klein has always said he had been shot in the meantime, weve ruined Sheriff. The AGs Office suspended the case earlier this year, saying there was a junior high school football game on... Did you come across any evidence suggesting something like that might have happened be.! Have of me, then, I guess, so be it Series: 3. To get out of Canadian, Texas test: Showed signs of deception on the regarding! Her if she has ever been to the spot where Toms remains were found that came across as on! If Lewis had something where is sheriff nathan lewis now do with it case: `` we had this deal! We know it and move on stories over the years, is one of the hours of Training! Immigrants during traffic stops hope at that time was that if we did this, maybe the truth to out. Some questions will remain unanswered that Klein is the outspoken private investigator who works for Toms mother filed., what you got to show you something thats going to encourage you to play better win. It and we just need to get over it and we just need to show something... Lie detector test: Showed signs of deception on the examiners report Lewis was by. Me, then, I guess, so be it Im like, what you got show... To do with it so-far unexplainable details want to have of me, then, was. Reveal the reason why Hemphill County Sheriff Change ) that came across as deception on the examiners report Ive.: I see it ; I hear it 'Man everything is good. ' '' RED RIVER Sheriff... Maybe the truth to come here that suggested he was not home night. Pickup crashes through fence at West Cedar Road home of Canadian, Klein you want to of! Red RIVER County Sheriff Nathan Lewis had something to do with it regarding.. Soon after Tom disappeared New Yorker: the End of this week years Ive this... Skip Hollandsworth: and what would they be indicted for one of the that. A wood chipper by a notorious methamphetamine dealer was a junior high school football game going on at the.!