Charges dropped against Marlin

Charges alleging animal cruelty against Marlin Police Chief James Hommel and city code enforcer Robert Thomas have been dismissed, accord ing to documents from the Falls County District Clerk’s Office.

The documents, which were originally reported by KXXV News 25 and shared on their website, show that charges were dropped due to "insuffi - cient evidence" on April 10.

A Facebook post in January of 2024 about the conditions and treatment of dogs at the Marlin Animal Control Center sparked concern from residents leading to an eventual investigation by the Texas Rangers, which has since been completed. The photos showed graphic and disturbing images of the dogs that appeared to be malnourished. Hommel, Thomas and former Animal Control Officer Nicole Grams were arrested on the charges in February.

Hommel was suspended by the Marlin City Council with pay on March 3, pending the outcome of the investigation. On April 17, the council voted to reinstate Hommel if the charges against him were dropped.

The case against Grams remains active. Grams entered a plea of not guilty last week.

The dismissal of charges against Hommel and Thomas has drawn criticism from animal advocates, who gathered outside the Falls County Courthouse in protest last week.