Kerens Incident Sparks Financial Interest

The NavCo Chronicle received and reviewed evidence in the form of a contributed cell phone video of an incident that occurred outside of Kerens City Hall after their regular City Council meeting.
The contributed video shows Kerens citizen Pamela Carroll arriving after the meeting had concluded and approaching independent reporter Ron Helms (not affiliated with The NavCo Chronicle) and city council candidate Briar Greene, who were standing outside speaking.
In the video, a woman identifying herself as Pamela Carroll is seen approaching Helms. The footage appears to show Carroll attempting to take a recording device from him during the interaction.
Helms attended the council meeting earlier that evening but did not speak during the public comment portion.
According to Helms, he remained outside City Hall after the meeting ended, speaking with a resident who had raised concerns about city finances during the meeting.
Helms stated he later approached Mayor Jeffrey Saunders outside the building to ask questions regarding city matters. According to Helms, the conversation became tense and another man standing nearby began directing derogatory language toward him.
Helms said the individual, whom others later identified as “Russell,” repeatedly directed a slur toward him while he was recording the interaction.
Helms stated the situation later escalated when Pamela Carroll approached and identified herself. According to Helms, the conversation initially calmed before becoming confrontational after he mentioned a video involving the individual he identified as Russell.
Helms said when he reached for his recorder to begin documenting the interaction, Carroll allegedly grabbed his hand and attempted to take the device from him. The moment is captured in the video recording.
Helms further alleges that after the confrontation cooled down, Carroll approached the resident who had raised concerns at the meeting and spoke to him in what Helms described as a threatening manner before leaving the area in a vehicle.
According to Helms, a Kerens police officer later came outside and asked what had happened. Helms said he attempted to explain the situation and show the video when a second patrol vehicle arrived.
Helms stated the second officer, whom he understood to be the police chief, ordered him to leave the property, and warned him he could face arrest if he returned.
Helms said he intended to file a police report regarding the incident but was unable to do so after being told to leave the property.
Helms has since stated he is consulting with his attorney CJ Grisham regarding the next possible steps.
Helms also suggested that individuals seeking further clarity about the incident request security footage from city cameras – specifically referencing cameras located at Kerens City Hall and the Kerens Police Department parking lot, requesting footage from approximately 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 10, 2026, which he believes may show the events that occurred outside the building.
Statement from Kerens City Council Candidate Briar Greene
Kerens City Council candidate Briar Greene, who raised concerns during the meeting regarding city finances, also provided a statement following the incident.
“As a candidate for city council and a resident who cares deeply about the future of our town, my intention at the meeting was simply to raise questions about transparency and financial accountability,” Greene said. “Those are reasonable concerns that any citizen should be able to bring before their local government.”
Greene stated that during the discussion he felt the tone toward him became hostile.
“At one point I was told by Pam Carroll to ‘leave town and not cause trouble,’” Greene said. “Statements like that are concerning because residents should never feel discouraged from asking questions or participating in local government.”
Greene added that he has lived in Kerens his entire life and said he found the comment particularly troubling.
“For someone to tell me to leave town and stop causing trouble while attempting to intimidate me when I simply asked for transparency from a group governed by the city council is disappointing,” Greene said. “I am disappointed in the behavior shown in the video. It is completely unacceptable.”
Greene said transparency and respectful dialogue are essential for a healthy community.
“Transparency, accountability, and respectful dialogue are essential for a healthy community,” Greene said. “My goal is not to cause conflict, but to ensure our town operates openly and that citizens feel comfortable voicing concerns without intimidation.”
“I remain committed to serving this community with integrity and encouraging a culture where questions are welcomed and addressed respectfully,” he added.

The NavCo Chronicle reached out to the City of Kerens and Pamela Carroll for comment regarding the incident.
The City of Kerens declined to comment. Pamela Carroll was also contacted and declined to comment.
As of publication, it is unclear whether any charges will be filed.
The NavCo Chronicle will continue to follow this story and update as more information becomes available.

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