Texas Ranger Formerly of this Area Resigns Amid Allegations

Steve Westbrook, a veteran law enforcement officer from this area, resigned as executive director of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas (SAT) amidst allegations of misappropriating funds from the organization.

Westbrook lives in Brenham and has served as executive director of SAT since 1998. SAT President and Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith said in a press conference last week that he learned about the allegations on Nov. 16. Smith said the misappropriation of funds took place over “an extended period.” He said two employees of the organization alerted authorities, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation. At that time, he said, the SAT board of directors placed Westbrook on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

About two weeks later, Smith said, the SAT board learned of “additional information” which prompted another meeting during which the board accepted Westbrook’s resignation.

“The resignation was accepted in lieu of termination,” Smith said. “Some of the requirements of the resignation are that Westbrook will immediately and permanently surrender his peace officer’s license to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, pay full restitution (to be) decided by a forensic audit, and all compensation to Westbrook will cease immediately.”

Smith said the Texas Attorney General’s investigation will continue, and the Association will cooperate fully with the investigation.

Blinn College inducted Westbrook into its Hall of Honor in 2021. According to a biography from his induction, Westbrook began his law enforcement career as a deputy in Henderson County in 1978. He later served with the Texas Department of Corrections before becoming a special Texas Ranger with the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association during the 1980s. He was stationed in Brenham as a special Ranger and covered seven counties in this area including Fayette.

Westbrook has also been involved in several civic organizations in the Washington County area. He is listed as a board member of the Washington County Fair Association. He was also a founder and former lead pastor of the Cowboy Church of Brenham. The church’s website currently lists him as the leader of their audit team.