Texas Rangers to investigate after Union Grove Water Supply alleges $100,000 missing

UPSHUR COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) – The Texas Rangers will investigate allegations that an employee embezzled more than $100,000 from the Union Grove Water Supply Cooperation, Upshur County District Attorney Billy W. Byrd said in a press release Monday.

Byrd said his office is referring the case because it is the third complaint involving the same water department since he took office.

“I have asked the Texas Rangers to lead the investigation so that everyone that may have been involved or assisted in any crime be brought to me for prosecution,” Byrd said.

The water supply’s board brought the alleged embezzlement by an office employee to Byrd’s office.

Byrd advised anyone making a payment to the Union Grove Water Supply Cooperation to not pay in cash. Byrd also advised customers to check for any irregularities they may find between the amount they paid versus what was withdrawn from their account, and to contact his office if discrepancies are found.

The Upshur County District Attorney’s Office previously prosecuted similar complaints from the Union Grove Water Supply Cooperation in 2013, where they recovered $40,350, and in 2023, where $8,000 was stolen by a different employee, Byrd said.