WilCo Sheriff Disavows Commander's Controversial Facebook Page

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody told Patch on Tuesday he will soon substantially address the controversy sparked by a commander's Facebook page containing jokes about rape and depicting violent images using dolls calling for maiming black NFL players who quietly protest by taking a knee during the National Anthem at games.

Created by Commander Steve Deaton, who oversees the patrol division of the sheriff's department, the page came to light following an Aug. 1 report by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Nearly a week since the SPLC report, Chody has yet to issue a public statement on the matter, despite a growing call from offended residents for him to address the matter and reveal possible disciplinary action that might be taken against his officer.

Chody was aware of his commander's graphic page, having hit the "like" button on a depiction of violence against NFL players. The scene positioned an "Elf on the Shelf" doll carrying a chainsaw, with the bloody stumps of a football player's legs in proximity to the blades. Another doll-created image shows an elf doll of dark complexion holding the hair of a crouching Barbie doll in what appears to be the throes of vomiting. "Silently though, he wonders whether the roofie he slipped her will still be effective," a caption read.

In attempts to secure a statement from Chody, Patch previously reached out to the sheriff's spokeswoman, Patricia Gutierrez, who said she would provide one. Not hearing back on the matter, Patch reached out again on Aug. 6, and secured the following preliminary statement from Chody: "I am heading back in town from out of state and will address the issue more in depth. I will say I do not condone the posts and the one 'like' from me was related to standing for the U.S flag, and only that. As a veteran, I am very passionate about the issue of standing for our U.S. flag and completely overlooked the obvious. That was a mistake on my part."

Gutierrez said the sheriff was vacationing, and was expected to return on Wednesday, Aug. 7. "Any other matters I will address when I return," Chody said in the email to Patch. Patch will update this story when the sheriff gives a more amplified response to the controversy.

From Aug. 3:

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Calls are growing for Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody to condemn a now-deleted Facebook page created by one of his officers — a portal making light of rape and murder while depicting violent acts against black football players taking a knee in protest.

The Southern Poverty Law Center reported on the page, noting that Chody has yet to respond to their repeated requests for comment. The page created by Commander Steve Deaton, who oversees the patrol division of the sheriff's department, includes posts mocking cases of rape and murder.

Disturbing images using Barbie and Elf on the Shelf dolls depicts acts of violence — one dated Nov. 28, 2017, depicting a black football player being dismembered at the knees with a chainsaw, SPLC reported. “Our patriotic elf grew angrier all season," a caption reads. "He finally snapped and decided to show the NFL how he goes about taking knees for not standing during our national anthem.”

Other posts position the dolls to depict sexual assault, including one showing a doll vomiting as a black elf doll holds her hair. The caption on that image reads: "Sticking to etiquette, our elf holds the hair of his date to the party while she pukes. Silently though, he wonders whether the roofie he slipped her will still be effective."

Deaton has made headlines in the past for questionable behavior. Earlier this year, he is said to have inquired if his deputies had pursued a sexual relationship with a female producer of the the popular A&E show "Live PD" that showcases county officers in action. KVUE and other media outlets reported Chody gave Deaton a verbal reprimand for having made the comment that was deemed deemed sexual harassment, saying the department had a zero-tolerance policy or such conduct.

Patch reached out to the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, but an email seeking comment was not immediately returned. Both Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody and County Judge Bill Gravell were among Deaton's Facebook friends who reportedly clicked the "like" response to some of the posts.

On social media, many are now calling for producers of the "Live PD" show to drop the county as part of its narrative focus given the latest revelations. The Williamson County Commissioners Court at its May 21 meeting voted 3-2 to extend a contract with Big Fish Entertainment, producers of the documentary series "Live PD,” in showcasing the local force. While some on the court objected to the portrayal of Williamson County as a dangerous area — a depiction largely contradicted by a relatively low crime rate — Chody has defended his department's participation as an important recruitment tool.

The discovery of Deaton's page is reminiscent of a secret border patrol Facebook page that was recently uncovered. In that page, border patrol agents mocked the plight of immigrants housed in detention centers, called for assassination of some of the agency's critics and featured sexist memes.

>>> Read the full story at Southern Poverty Law Center