In a bold move to protect free speech, a Navy veteran and community activist has taken legal action against a Texas prosecutor over an alleged unconstitutional criminal prosecution. On December 5, 2025, Kolton Glen Krottinger filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, against Lindy Beaty, who is acting as the Special Prosecutor for Hood County. The case centers around Krottinger’s arrest for felony “online impersonation” after he posted a satirical meme about a local school board election.
Kolton Glen Krottinger, known for his political activism and service as President of Anxiety Solutions of America, was charged following his satirical post on Facebook. The meme was intended as political commentary during an election season but led to charges under Texas Penal Code § 33.07(a). This statute criminalizes online impersonation with intent to harm or defraud. However, Krottinger contends that his actions were protected under the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech. In fact, a Texas court found no probable cause for the charge after the State admitted it was unprepared to proceed with evidence at an examining trial.
Krottinger argues that this prosecution is not only unfounded but also retaliatory—a classic example of bad faith litigation meant to silence political dissent. He cites precedents like Bailey v. Iles and Ex parte Bradshaw to support his claim that political satire is constitutionally protected speech. Despite these protections and the court’s ruling in his favor, Beaty has indicated plans to present the case to a grand jury in January 2026. This persistence suggests an attempt to suppress Krottinger’s voice rather than seek justice.
The plaintiff seeks both preliminary and permanent injunctions to halt any further prosecution efforts by Beaty or any other prosecutor involved in State of Texas v. Krottinger (Cause No. 2025-00289). Additionally, he requests declaratory relief affirming that prosecuting him for his satirical meme violates First Amendment rights. His legal team argues that continuing this prosecution without probable cause exemplifies bad faith and constitutes retaliation against protected speech.
Represented by attorneys Brandon J. Grable from Grable PLLC and CJ Grisham from Temple, Texas, Krottinger aims not only to protect himself but also set a precedent safeguarding political expression nationwide. The case ID is 4:25-cv-01373-O with Judge Earl “Dub” Gillum having previously ruled on related matters within Hood County.
Source: 425cv01373_Kolton_Glen_v_Lindy_Beaty_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Texas.pdf
