A Henderson County judge who approved a search warrant that led to the arrest of a Trinidad resident over a social media post about the city’s water supply has since stated that he believes material information presented by Trinidad police officers was inaccurate, incomplete, or unreliable.
The development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Trinidad Police Department, the dismissal of criminal charges against the resident, a civil lawsuit against the City of Trinidad, and a separate state investigation into the city’s water system.
Judge Raises Concerns About Search Warrant Affidavit
According to reporting by FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, Henderson County District Court Judge R. Scott McKee sent a June 8 letter to outgoing Trinidad Police Chief Charles Gregory expressing concerns about information presented to the court when officers sought a search warrant in May 2026.
The warrant was connected to an investigation involving Henderson County resident Jennifer Combs, who was later arrested and charged with felony false alarm or report after publishing a Facebook post concerning issues with Trinidad’s municipal water supply.
In his letter, Judge McKee reportedly questioned “the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of information presented” by Trinidad Police Sgt. Robert McCumsey and Investigator Cameron Beckham when the warrant application was submitted.
The judge indicated that the information provided to the court may have affected his probable cause determination when authorizing the warrant.
Background of the Arrest
The investigation stemmed from an April social media post made by Combs regarding concerns about Trinidad’s water system.
According to published reports, the post alleged that individuals had been hospitalized after drinking the city’s water.
FOX 4 reported that it had not independently verified any claims that residents were hospitalized as a result of consuming Trinidad’s water.
Following the post, Trinidad Police pursued a criminal investigation that resulted in Combs being charged with felony false alarm or report.
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Charges Later Dropped
The criminal case against Combs did not proceed.
Reports indicate that the charges were subsequently dismissed. Following the dismissal, Combs filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Trinidad related to the investigation and arrest.
As of publication, the lawsuit remains separate from any criminal proceedings and allegations contained within the complaint have not been adjudicated in court.
Police Chief’s Response
Prior reporting cited comments from then-Chief Charles Gregory defending the department’s actions.
Gregory reportedly stated that Combs’ social media post “creates fear, panic, or unnecessary emergency response within a community.”
The department has not publicly released a detailed response addressing Judge McKee’s specific concerns regarding the warrant application.
Expert Analysis
FOX 4 interviewed criminologist Alex del Carmen regarding Judge McKee’s letter.
Del Carmen characterized the letter as significant because judges rely heavily on information provided by law enforcement officers when evaluating probable cause requests.
According to del Carmen, omissions can be just as important as affirmative statements when a judge determines whether sufficient legal grounds exist to issue a warrant.
He further stated that the judge’s letter suggests concerns regarding the credibility of information provided during the warrant process.
Attorney for Combs Reacts
Attorney C.J. Grisham, who represents Combs, also commented publicly following reports regarding Chief Gregory’s resignation.
Grisham expressed concern about future leadership within the department and questioned whether personnel involved in the matter could be elevated to leadership positions.
Those comments reflect the attorney’s opinion and do not constitute findings by any court or governmental agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jennifer Combs?
Jennifer Combs is a Henderson County resident who was arrested after publishing a Facebook post regarding concerns about Trinidad’s municipal water supply.
What was she charged with?
She was charged with felony false alarm or report. The charge was later dismissed.
Why is the judge’s letter significant?
Judge McKee stated that information presented to him by Trinidad police officers raised concerns regarding its accuracy, completeness, and reliability when he approved a search warrant.
Did the judge accuse officers of criminal wrongdoing?
Based on publicly reported information, the judge questioned the information provided to the court but did not publicly accuse officers of committing a criminal offense.
Is there an ongoing lawsuit?
Yes. Following dismissal of the criminal charge, Combs filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Trinidad.
Is the city’s water system under investigation?
Yes. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is reportedly investigating issues related to Trinidad’s water supply.
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