Can a police chief's actions in a small Texas town spark a legal firestorm? The unfolding civil rights lawsuit against Aransas Pass Police Chief Eric Blanchard has ignited a debate over constitutional rights, free speech, and the limits of law enforcement power.
The heart of the matter lies in a civil rights lawsuit filed in March 2024 by Jason Followell. This lawsuit alleges violations of Followell's First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, as well as breaches of the Texas Constitution. The case, now accessible via the Texas Southern District Court's Electronic Court Filings (ECF) system, centers on claims that Chief Blanchard infringed upon Followell's right to free speech. The lawsuit has placed Chief Blanchard, who has headed the Aransas Pass Police Department since 2012, under intense scrutiny. Questions are being raised about the policies he implemented and whether he potentially misused the legal system to silence his critics. It is alleged that Chief Blanchard responded to the lawsuit with a dismissive statement, reportedly saying, "Stop talking and sue me." The case, "City of Aransas Pass et al.," is drawing attention for its exploration of constitutional rights and the balance of power within a local government.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Eric Blanchard |
| Position | Former Chief of Police, Aransas Pass Police Department |
| Tenure as Chief | 2012 - Resignation in 2024 |
| Prior Law Enforcement Experience | Mathis Police Department, Portland Police Department |
| Lawsuit Allegations | Violation of First and Fourth Amendment Rights, Texas Constitution violations |
| Key Allegation | Using the legal system to intimidate opponents, infringing on free speech |
| Plaintiff in Lawsuit | Jason Followell |
| Initial Response to Lawsuit | Allegedly stated, "Stop talking and sue me." |
| Date of Resignation Announcement | Tuesday, 2024 (Specific date not provided) |
| Reason for Resignation | Accepted a Police Chief position elsewhere |
| Associated Legal Case | City of Aransas Pass et al. |
| Defendants in Followell Lawsuit | City of Aransas Pass, Gary Edwards (City Manager), Carrie Scruggs, Ram Gomez (Mayor), Nathan Kelley, among others. |
| Legal Representation for Followell | C.J. Grisham, Texas Attorney |
| Previous Lawsuit Involving Blanchard | In 2014, a lawsuit was filed by Davis against the City of Aransas Pass and various officials, including Chief Blanchard, alleging slander, etc. |
| Reference | Aransas Pass Police Department Official Website |
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