Ex-County Auditor Entangled in New Texas Scandal

Unique Challenges and Controversies in Two Texas Counties

Wichita County and Kinney County, both located in the state of Texas, are geographically and demographically distinct. Situated over 380 miles apart, these counties each have their own unique characteristics. Wichita County shares a border with the Red River and the state of Oklahoma, while Kinney County borders the Rio Grande and the country of Mexico. Despite these differences, both counties share a common figure: Cheryll Jones.

Jones served as the county auditor for Wichita County from August 25, 2020, when she was appointed to a four-year term. Her tenure came to an abrupt end in August 2024, just hours before her term was set to expire. The conclusion of her time in Wichita County was marked by controversy and tension, particularly following a series of meetings with the county commissioners.

The controversies surrounding Jones included late payments to election workers and allegations that she was difficult to work with. These issues led to several months of turmoil within the county. In April 2024, the county posted an opening for a new county auditor, even as Jones was still in office. On the final day of her term, she was suspended by the district judges of Wichita County after allegedly removing county officials from software programs without justification. She was then escorted from the courthouse, marking the end of her time in Wichita County.

Over a month later, in October 2024, Jones was appointed as the Kinney County Auditor for a two-year term by 63rd District Court Judge Roland Andrade. According to a report, she applied for the position through the Val Verde County Auditor, Matthew Weingardt. The report indicated that Jones and Weingardt were dating at the time and have since married.

However, less than a year into her term in Kinney County, the county commissioners have requested her removal from office. They submitted a 10-page letter to the district judge, outlining allegations similar to those she faced in Wichita County. The letter claimed that Kinney County has experienced significant problems maintaining financial stability under Jones, stating that she “abused the discretion of her office and no longer has the confidence” of the commissioners.

The letter listed several alleged failures by Jones, including:

• Failing to produce financial documentation required by the USDA grant program, resulting in a loss of $518,385.19 in grant awards.
• Failing to provide requested budget balances to county officials.
• Failing to approve budgeted travel expenses for county employees.
• Failing to approve budgeted salary payments.
• Failing to ensure prompt payment of 227 invoices and other approved claims.

A Kinney County official submitted a public information request to both Wichita County and Kinney County regarding Jones. The official provided a sworn affidavit containing statements from unnamed Wichita County employees. These statements described Jones as a “nightmare to work with,” noting her unprofessional behavior and lack of cooperation, which led to instances of financial mismanagement. One statement noted that the financial issues in Wichita County were quickly resolved once she left.

As of the publication of this story, it is unclear if any further action has been taken to remove Jones from office in Kinney County. A request for comments from Texoma’s Homepage to each of the Kinney County Commissioners remained unanswered.

This story is developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.