Deputy indicted in fatal Leon County traffic crash
Leon County, Tx (FOX 44) – A Montgomery County deputy has been indicted in connection with a 2024 traffic crash that left another deputy dead.
Deputy James Francis was named in the indictment in connection with the February 21, 2024 crash that occurred in Leon County as a prisoner was being transported. Another Montgomery County deputy, Charles Rivette of New Caney, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle said Deputy Francis has been placed under arrest and terminated from his employment with Montgomery County.
Sheriff Doolittle said this is a serious matter and that the Sheriff's Office remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability and integrity. He said the legal process will proceed accordingly and that his agency will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities.
At the time of the crash Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Justin Ruiz said it had occurred at 10:29 p.m. Wednesday February 21, 2024 on Interstate 45 southbound, about five miles south of Buffalo in Leon County.
Sgt. Ruiz said the patrol vehicle, a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, was being used to conduct an inmate transport. It was traveling southbound when it struck a 2009 Freightliner 18-wheeler which was also going south.
During the crash, the front passenger of the Tahoe was ejected and landed in the northbound lanes. After the initial crash, the Tahoe also ended up coming to rest in the northbound lanes.
Just after the first crash a 2008 Ford F-150 going north struck the passenger who was ejected. A 2016 Freightliner and a 2008 Freightliner going north then struck the Tahoe, where it had come to rest.
The passenger who was ejected and struck was identified as Deputy Rivette, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
PREVIOUS STORY: Montgomery County deputy killed in five-vehicle crash in Leon County
Deputy Frances had been the driver of the Tahoe. After the crash he was airlifted to Christus Mother Francis Hospital in Tyler with serious injuries. The back seat inmate passenger was airlifted to CHI St Joseph Regional Hospital in Bryan.
The driver of one of the Freightliners that struck the Tahoe was transported to Freestone Medical Center. The other Freightliner drivers and the driver of the F-150 were not hurt.
Sheriff Doolittle issued the following further statement:
'The loss of Deputy Rivette is deeply felt by all who knew and served alongside him, and the events that followed have only added to the sorrow. We stand firm in our responsibility to ensure accountability while recognizing the gravity of this moment for everyone involved. In times like these, we must support one another, honor those we have lost, and remain steadfast in our commitment to justice and integrity.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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