May 12, 2011 - Another Fannin County law enforcement official is facing criminal charges following complaints filed in October of 2010. Chad Wayne Stovall, 36, of Greenville, was on the most recent indictment list for indecency with a child by sexual contact and aggravated sexual assault of a child, which are second and first degree felonies. When Stovall was arrested on the charges he was a Deputy with the Fannin County Sheriff's Office, and a Leonard resident.

A report dated Oct. 27, 2010, by Sergeant Terry Bee with Bonham Police Department shows that they were contacted to assist the sheriff's department with a case after an employee of FCSO had been named as a suspect. The case originated in Leonard, but it was determined that the offenses had taken place outside Leonard Police Department's jurisdiction.

The report started after a student at Leonard ISD was found to be in possession of a weapon. When questioned, she told school officials that it was for protection against Stovall, who had been touching her inappropriately and taking inappropriate photographs of her, and further threatened to kill her if she told anybody. The victim's mother reported that her daughter had become really withdrawn for several months.

During an interview with the Children's Advocacy Center the victim reported that Stovall had fondled her on several occasions, starting three years prior; had recently forced her to take an inappropriate picture with his cell phone, and had also shown her images, photographs and videos containing nudity on his cell phone. On Nov. 24, 2010, a Hunt County Deputy arrested Stovall at a family member's home in Greenville, and then transported him into Fannin County custody on Dec. 3, 2010. He was placed on administrative leave by FCSO based on the criminal charges, but was reportedly let go during his time of leave based on other circumstances not related to the criminal offense. Stovall remained in Fannin County Jail until Dec. 7 where a bond reduction hearing was held. Stovall's bond was reduced, and he was subsequently released after posting bail. He remains out of jail at this time.