An individual from Quinlan is going around saying he is a reporter for local media/news sites. The man has been identified as 34-year-old Brent William Deakins.
The motive behind Deakins' impersonation remains unclear, but it is posible that he is attempting fraud by soliciting donations under the guise of a reporter and/or a firefighter.
Deakins was taken into custody on October 5, 2023, on charges of credit card abuse. After posting a $75,000 bail, he was subsequently released.
Notably, Deakins had previously served as a volunteer firefighter in Hunt County. However, the Quinlan Fire Department has issued a public notice distancing themselves from him. The department clarified, "Due to recent events today let it be known that Brent Deakins is not a member of Quinlan FD. At this time he has no affiliations with our department, he does not volunteer for us or run any calls with us."
If you feel that you have been defrauded by this individual or encounter him attempting to impersonate a reporter, please contact the Hunt County Sheriff's Office immediately.
The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
