Brad Benson, a Republican politician running for a seat in Texas, was arrested hours before the election. The conservative volunteer firefighter has been hit with multiple felony child pornography charges.
Brad Benson charged with child pornography possession
Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds confirmed that on Monday authorities entered the home of Bradley Jay Benson, 44, after receiving an enormous tip.
Benson’s home was raided, and the police found child sexual abuse material. Brad Benson, who was at the home during the raid, was arrested and charged with two felony counts of child pornography possession.
In a statement, Deeds said: “I can confirm he was arrested by the District Attorney’s Office yesterday and charged with two felony child pornography charges, he should have a bond set today.”
Deeds declined to give more details on the charges and the material discovered at the home. However, the sheriff did reveal that Benson’s bond was set at a total of $200,000.
Brad Benson calls himself a no-BS conservative
Benson — a member of the Granbury Volunteer Fire Department for the past 21 years — was running for Place 4 on the Granbury City Council. The businessman campaigned on conservative and family values. He also fashioned himself as a no-BS conservative.
Within hours of his arrest, the Republican Party issued a first statement saying they take the allegations seriously. The Republican Party of Hood County said: “Based on the limited information available, it is our understanding that a serious sex-related offense may be involved. If these allegations are true, there is no way the party would ever condone such activity.”
After talking to the authorities, the Republican Party dropped Brad Benson for his “heinous” crimes. The party said on social media: “Crimes of this degree tear at the heart and soul of society, and we condemn them in the strongest terms. The Republican Party stands for conservatism, family values, and the protection of children. These heinous acts are antithetical to what Republicans stand for.”
Brad Benson a commercial pilot has not commented on his arrest or the heavy charges that he is facing, but other candidates have reacted to the disturbing news.
Charles Beard focuses on the victims
Charles Beard, who was competing for the same seat as Brad Benson said he is praying for the young victims of this crime.
The army veteran added: “I pray for all the children who may have been hurt as a result of Brad Benson’s actions, if true. Child pornography is a sickness that will forever hurt its victims for life. I pray you [God] charge your angels to watch over these victims. God, I pray that the city of Granbury will be able to get through this tragedy. We must recognize that Brad Benson’s family has done nothing wrong, and we need to continue to pray for them daily.”
Rhonda Williams, a concerned mother and grandmother taking part in the election, shared: “As a mom and grandmother, my heart is broken for all the innocent children hurt by this if the charges are true. I am literally sick to my stomach, and this infuriates me. One of the reasons I am running is to protect our children, and if this is true, throw the book at him.”
Alejandra Muñoz, another conservative school board candidate, confessed: “This deeply hurts my heart and also makes me very angry. Our world has fallen and the only thing that can save us is the blood of Jesus. This situation reminds me of that today. One of the main reasons I am running for Granbury ISD is to protect and empower our precious children, and they are our future.”
In his biography, Benson described himself as a longtime member of the Stonewater Church in Granbury, an adventure, genuine conservative, and a gay man.
Critics link case to Donald Trump
He wrote about his personal life: “I am not your ordinary political candidate, however. Besides being a long-time Granbury resident and business owner, I’m a genuine conservative, both fiscally and ideologically. That said, I am also a gay man with a partner of nearly 10 years. He’s as conservative as I am—both of us believe that private lives should remain private. I strongly believe that sexuality is a topic that should be handled within your own family, not in public schools or flaunted in parades.”
He said this about his political views: “My political beliefs are Conservative Republican. I believe in small and limited government, fiscal responsibility and accountability, and minimal obstacles to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. I’m a strong 2nd Amendment supporter and believe all rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution shall not be infringed. Period. Government should work for the people, not control the people.”
Some former Republicans say that the party has changed a lot since the ascendance of former President Donald Trump to the highest office in the land in 2016.
