Galveston County Sheriff reaches agreement with state licensing agency

Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen has reached an agreement in a long running legal dispute with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). However, TCOLE officials tells 2 Investigates the details of the agreement will remain confidential until approved by the Commission during its December meeting.

TCOLE initially recommended revoking Fullen’s peace officer’s license in 2024, when he was running for Sheriff. After he was elected, TCOLE changed it’s recommendation to a 10-year suspension since state law prohibits the revocation of a license held by an officer “elected under the Texas Constitution.”

TCOLE accused Fullen of several omissions on his personal history statement filed with two departments. TCOLE requires peace officers to fill out these statements and attest to their accuracy.

Fullen fought TCOLE’s recommendation for both revocation and suspension. He also sued TCOLE in Galveston County; claiming the agency overstepped its authority and was violating his constitutional rights.

Both sides went to mediation in June, but no agreement was reached. The matter was then headed to a hearing before an administrative law judge with the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), before this latest agreement was reached.

Fullen’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, declined to comment since the details of the agreement remain confidential at this time.