Affidavit: Investigators found an arson kit and a yellow spray paint can in a toolbox during a search of the former La Marque City Manager's house Fire Marshal: Neighbor’s security video shows someone exiting and entering the former La Marque City Manager’s house before a “glow” from a fire. The probable cause affidavit used to obtain an arrest warrant for arson charges against former La Marque City Manager Joshua Pritchett states that an arson kit and a yellow spray paint can were found in a search of Pritchett’s house, a few days after someone spray-painted graffiti and set a small fire on the fence. Pritchett, who was arrested on Saturday (7/19/2025), faces two felony and one misdemeanor charges related to the arson at his house on July 3, which occurred during a criminal investigation into false statements made on his city job applications. He also faces two misdemeanor charges related to falsehoods on his job applications, including lying about his college degrees and claims of military service. La Marque Fire Marshal Brennan Briggs wrote that he found, “collection of multiple pieces of evidence including a "Toughbuilt" rolling toolbox containing an all black jacket/pants/and pair of shoes, a dark blue knit beanie with yellow paint marks and eye holes cut out, a brown pair of work gloves, I partially full 32oz bottle "Expert Grill" lighter fluid, 1 spray paint can "Sherwin Williams Pavement Striping Paint" in "Highway Yellow", I black BBQ lighter, and S plastic clamps,” is Pritchett’s garage during a search of the house on July 5. Briggs also reported that the “color of spray paint located in the toolbox was consistent with the color of spray paint on the fence.” Briggs also noted a video recording that showed someone in dark clothing exiting Pritchett’s house at about 4:32 AM, walking to the side of the house and fence where the vandalism happened. Briggs wrote he “observed the individual moving back and forth in the area where the offenses occurred until 04:32:48, when they returned to the area near the front door and were not seen again. Affiant observed immediately following the individual returning to the front door area, a glow/flicker of light can be seen emitting from the area previously occupied by that individual.” The fire marshal went on to report that based on the video, “the actor could only have retreated to the residence at 782 Dewberry on both occasions,” and wrote that the person seen in the video “matched the approximate build and height of Pritchett, not his wife.” Pritchett was also charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with the intent to impair an investigation and with making a false report related to the arson and vandalism call. About noon on July 3, Pritchett called 911 to report that someone had spray-painted graffiti on his fence and set a small fire. According to the probable cause affidavit, Pritchett claimed he was in the backyard picking tomatoes with his son when he “smelled smoke and went to investigate.” When police and the fire marshal arrived, the fence had the message “F*** You Lowry Rules” spray-painted on it, along with charred marks at the bottom. The message clearly referenced La Marque Council Member Joseph Lowry, who had posted on social media accusations that Pritchett had lied on his city job applications regarding his college degrees and military service. These allegations prompted both criminal and administrative investigations. The arson happened soon after Mayor Keith Bell called a special city council meeting to discuss Pritchett’s employment. The mayor stated that Pritchett had not cooperated with an administrative investigation into allegations of falsified education and military credentials. Pritchett, promoted to city manager less than a month earlier, reportedly lied on his job application when he applied to be deputy city manager after serving as the city’s communications specialist. Court records show that Pritchett asked for and was granted a court-appointed attorney. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 18 in Judge Patricia Grady’s 212th District Court. #JoshuaPritchett

Posted by i45NOW TJ Aulds at 2025-07-21 22:03:18 UTC