CHEROKEE COUNTY, Texas — A Cherokee County jailer has been arrested following an internal investigation into alleged timesheet fraud, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Brent Dickson said he was notified on April 6, 2026, of a suspected issue involving an employee’s timesheets. An internal affairs investigation was launched, identifying the employee as 28-year-old Jonathan Mendez of Jacksonville.
During the investigation, detectives developed evidence indicating Mendez falsified his timesheets for personal financial gain.
On April 9, a warrant was issued by Judge Chris Day charging Mendez with tampering with a government record, a state jail felony. He was arrested the same day and booked into the Cherokee County Jail.
Mendez’s bond was set at $10,000. He posted bond and was released from custody on April 10.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed.
