Former Quitman Development Corporation (QDC) Executive Director Denea Hudman found out recently that she and business partner Jamie Wyatt of Colonial Construction had been the subject of an investigation by Texas Ranger John Vance.

Hudman and Wyatt each received a letter dated Jan. 27, 2021 informing them that a Wood County Grand Jury declined to indict them on the charges of tampering with a government instrument/document with intent to defraud/harm.

Hudman claimed she, nor Wyatt, knew about the investigation and was shocked and surprised to receive the letter.

“As you can imagine, getting a letter from the Wood County District Attorney’s office to let me know I was not indicted on a third degree felony charge was shocking to say the least,” she said. “I cannot say anything else at this time.”

The investigation by Ranger Vance obtained information from Quitman City Secretary/Administrator and current QDC Executive Director Rodney Kieke. 

In the supplemental details of the investigation, Kieke advised that Jamie Joe Wyatt and Denea Williams Hudman falsified a governmental document for personal gain. Kieke stated to Vance that the Mayor (Randy Dunn) wished him to look into the matter to determine if a violation had occurred.

Dunn and Kieke each had no comment. 

In letters to Hudman and Wyatt, District Attorney Angela Albers wrote, “After considering the subject matter at their January 27, 2021 meeting, the Wood County Grand Jury declined to indict at this time.”

The allegations stemmed from a development agreement that Hudman worked out with Colonial for improvements to three lots on Lipscomb St. on the north side of the county courthouse square.

“Keike stated Track #3 was to remain the property of the QDC,” according to Vance’s report. “Keike believes Hudman altered the contract to convey Track #3 to Colonial Construction.”

Hudman filed suit against Dunn in the 402nd District Court in June over her dismissal from the QDC in February 2020, which she claimed resulted from Dunn going through her personal emails when the account was left open on her Quitman city office computer.

The most recent activity in the case was an order denying a motion for summary judgment in December.

Keike has been serving as the QDC director in an interim role since September.