Mike Jones, reserve resign

The Ellis County Press

MIDLOTHIAN – Constable-elect Mike Jones, R-Midlothian, resigned for still-unknown purposes, according to current Precinct 4 Constable Steve McKinney, who recently ran for sheriff in the GOP primary.

McKinney, appointed by county commissioners to fill the seat vacated when Bubba Curry resigned, said his office could not get into the details of the reasons for the resignations, but he said reserve constable Kenneth Singleton also resigned.

Jones is to be sworn into office in January after he defeated Kyle Nealin the March 4 GOP primary for the Red Oak-to-Midlothian precinct (constable precincts are the same as justice of the peace boundaries since constables serve as bailiffs in those courts).

Jones does not have a general election opponent in November.

McKinney, a former Department of Public Safety trooper, also dismissed rumors that alleged "squatters" in a tony subdivision in Midlothian of foreclosed homes had anything to do with the resignations.

Residents have complained, according to calls to The Ellis County Press that black families have moved into the homes.

Singleton was recently hired by the county on a full-time temporary basis to investigate wide-reaching mortgage fraud cases in the precinct.

Though temporarily short-staffed, McKinney said he is confident he can hire replacements soon.