By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

As a large number of business owners and citizens overflowed the Orange County Commissioners courtroom on Wednesday morning, County Judge Dean Crooks read a statement ending with he would resign effective at the next meeting on March 19, 2019.

“I do not believe Orange County would survive the internal strife,” Crooks said. “No matter who said what, the fault is mine because I am County Judge. To stop the internal strife, I will resign effective at the next Commissioners Court meeting on March 19.”

Crooks added, “Thank you Orange County for allowing me to serve you the best I could.”

Crooks has served on the court since last May when he was appointed by the court to replace former County Judge Brint Carlton. Carlton resigned due to new employment as Executive Director of Texas Medical Board in Austin after losing the election to Crooks.

After the announcement, Crooks called for a 10-miute recess before the meeting continued.

When the court returned to session, Crooks did not return. Judge Pro Tem John Gothia, commissioner for pct. 3, proceeded over the meeting.