REPORT - A Navy Veteran and Activist in Granbury, Texas, was Arrested for Posting a Satirical Meme in a Locally Known Satirical Facebook Group.
Kolton Krottinger was arrested on November 5th for felony “online impersonation—name/persona to create page” in the third degree. However, after a quick investigation, it became clear that no page was ever created, and the erroneous complaint—made by a local candidate whom I will refer to as “Karen”—should be immediately dropped.
Kolton posted the meme from his satire page to a group meant to call out local corruption. Another individual had taken a screenshot of Tina Brown’s Facebook page and photoshopped it to make it appear as if she was supporting candidate Monica Brown. This was an obviously satirical meme to the local audience, who knew that Tina “Karen” Brown has no love for the former Granbury ISD school board candidate, Monica Brown.
According to the complaint, Tina “Karen” Brown went directly to the sheriff and stated that “the public is being misled by the post as to what *her* actual beliefs are”—a disingenuous statement considering the Granbury locals’ understanding of politics and a clearly marked satire page.
“It’s for posting a meme,” his defense attorney, Rob Christian, told The Dallas Express. “After 25 years of experience as a district attorney and criminal defense attorney, I have never seen anyone get arrested for engaging in political speech.”
Kolton runs a mental health retreat for veterans and first responders at his ranch. His sole income is from his social media. Kolton has been honored by Governor Greg Abbott, who named him an honorary admiral in the Texas Navy. His work at the ranch has been honored and recognized by the entire Texas Senate through a resolution created by Senator Birdwell (Senate Resolution 421). His ranch is a proclaimed Purple Heart ranch, nationally recognized. He hosts thousands of people at his ranch yearly.
For the last several months, Kolton has been the political target of the left and right alike for his loud conservative voice in Granbury. Even his organization has fallen under fire by his opposition, with absolutely no merit. His opposition was looking for any reason to silence him, and they found it through a local “Karen’s” complaint.
Monica Brown, a true patriot and conservative in Granbury, spoke at commissioner court about Kolton, condemning the sheriffs office for its actions.
(It starts off quiet but gets louder)
“What has happened to Granbury?! … “this is total nonsense!”
Monica Brown’s original Facebook.
Tina “Karen” Brown hates Monica so much, that making it seem as if she supported Monica Brown enraged her to the point of going to the police to have someone arrested.
You can find Kolton’s website here anxietyofamerica.org
Kolton’s gallery here anxietyofamerica.org/gallery-1
Part of Kolton’s bond conditions is that he is unable to post on social media. Meaning his first amendment rights are under FULL attack. Please sign the petition here and make YOUR voice known. c.org/Btb9K6ksrp
@threadreaderapp unroll
Social media is Kolton’s main source of income. They took away his ability to defend himself, his phone for communication, his 1A rights and his ability to make money.
@desslocktx @Fynnderella1 @Carlos__Turcios Understanding*
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