Freestone County elected officials were sworn-in Thursday morning, January 2, 2025, by 87th District Judge Amy Ward (far left).

Beginning from left to right are:

77th District Judge: Roy DeFriend begins his first term as District Judge following the retirement of Judge Patric Simmons.

Treasurer: Mandy Chavers, previously selected to fill the unfinished term of the County’s previous Treasurer, Mandy was elected to the position in the last election and begins her first official term this year. “Serving in this position has been an incredible experience so far! It is full of excitement, and I’m simply humbled to serve Freestone County as the Treasurer” she says. “I’m focused on fostering financial growth within our community and ensuring that every voice is heard as we work towards a thriving future for our county.” Mandy has extensive experience in payroll and human resources from previous jobs, co-owns Cash Money Services with her brother Lucas Chavers, and owns her own bookkeeping service.

Tax Accessor/Collector: Daniel Ralston begins his second term in this position after serving at the Central Appraisal District.

Constable Pct. 1: Buck Bonner began his career in law enforcement in 1976 and has served as a Constable since 1981. “Unless something changes between now and the next four years, I plan on this being my last term,” he explains. “At the end of this term, I will have served 52 years in law enforcement.”

Commissioner, Pct. 1: Andy Bonner is beginning his third term serving as County Commissioner.

Constable, Pct. 3: Richard McGowan starts his second term as Constable after serving several years as a deputy for the Sheriff’s Office.

Constable, Pct. 4: Ken Sessions is beginning his second consecutive and fifth total term (so far) in the position of Constable.

District / County Attorney: Brian Evans begins his third term serving as DA for Freestone County.

Sheriff: Jeremy Shipley is starting his third term as County Sheriff.

Constable, Pct. 3: Jake Fitch is beginning his first term as Constable. “I would like to thank all the citizens of Freestone County that supported my campaign and transition to the office of Constable,” he says. “I promise to do what I can for our citizens to help keep Freestone a pleasant, country place to live and raise a family. Thank you again.”

Jake previously served as a Patrol Officer for the City of Teague, has more than ten years of experience in Texas Law Enforcement, and has obtained several specialized certifications in mental health and school-based law enforcement. He is a retired US Army & Reserves veteran and holds an Advanced Peace Officer License, the second highest available in Texas. He’s a certified Metal Health Peace Officer, Court Security Officer, and School Based Law Enforcement Officer. Outside of his certifications, he also has more than 3,500 hours of state recognized training ranging from tactical operations and executive protection to criminal investigations and advanced medical training.

Commissioner, Pct. 3: Lloyd Lane is serving his second term as Commissioner.

Congratulations to these officials and ‘Thank You’ for serving Freestone County!