Granbury council candidate arrested on felony child porn charges, day before election
Brad Benson, a candidate in Tuesday’s Granbury city council election, was arrested Monday morning on felony charges of possession of child pornography, according to Hood County Jail records.
Sheriff Roger Deeds said Benson was booked into the Hood County Jail on felony charges, but he did not have specific information about the investigation, referring questions to the Hood County District Attorney’s Office. Deeds said that the District Attorney’s Office is handling the investigation into Benson’s case.
District Attorney Ryan Sinclair told the Star-Telegram on Tuesday that he can’t release much information because of the active investigation. Sinclair said there was enough evidence on scene to arrest Benson, who was taken into custody at his home.
Jail records indicate the charges are first-degree felonies. According to probable cause affidavits, investigators executing a search warrant found two videos showing sexual assault of child under 10 on Benson’s phone.
Benson, 44, was running against Charles Beard and Gary “Skip” Overdier in the Place 4 council race Tuesday. He lost the election, with about 26% of the vote.
According to information on his campaign website, Benson said that Granbury has been his home and place of business for over 20 years.
Benson’s family business is Cinergy Cinemas with nine theater/entertainment complexes in four states.
In 2018, Benson was named as a lifetime member of the Granbury volunteer fire department for his many years of answering emergency calls throughout Hood County.
He also served on the Granbury Airport Advisory board and the Hood County Crime Stoppers board.
He described himself as a “genuine conservative both fiscally and ideologically.”
Benson said on his campaign website that he was running for city council to upgrade infrastructure, enhance fire department capabilities and reduce property taxes.
The executive committee of the Hood County Republican Party issued a statement Tuesday withdrawing its endorsement of Benson in the council race. “Crimes of this degree tear at the heart and soul of society, and we condemn them in the strongest terms,” the statement read. “The Republican Party stands for conservative, family values and the protection of children.”
Jail records indicate Benson was released from jail as of Wednesday. His bond was set at $200,000. It was unclear whether he has obtained an attorney.
Benson did not return a phone call from the Star-Telegram seeking comment.
This story was originally published November 6, 2023 at 5:34 PM.