In a dramatic legal showdown, a Texas resident is taking on local law enforcement and county officials over allegations of constitutional violations. Joshua Cartwright filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas on February 1, 2026, against Aaron Logan Ross and Kaufman County, Texas. The lawsuit accuses Ross, a former deputy constable, of unlawfully entering Cartwright’s home without a warrant and attempting to evict him under the guise of official authority.
According to the complaint, on February 7, 2024, Aaron Logan Ross entered Joshua Cartwright’s residence in Van Zandt County with the grandson of the property owner. Despite being asked if he had a warrant, Ross allegedly declared he didn’t need one because he was a constable. The two men reportedly threatened Cartwright with eviction within 30 minutes if he did not leave voluntarily. This incident prompted Cartwright to call 911, leading to an investigation by Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Deputies who arrived at the scene.
The complaint further details that Ross was indicted by a Van Zandt Grand Jury for Criminal Trespass and Official Oppression—both misdemeanors—and later pled guilty to these charges. As part of his plea deal, Ross surrendered his Texas Peace Officer license. The lawsuit claims that these actions were conducted under color of state law and constituted an abuse of power unique to his position as a peace officer.
Cartwright’s legal action also targets Kaufman County for its alleged role in fostering an environment where such abuses could occur. The complaint argues that the Kaufman County Precinct 2 Constable Office has established procedures and practices exhibiting indifference to constitutional rights by conducting warrantless searches and failing to adequately train officers like Ross. It suggests that systemic issues within the department contributed to Cartwright’s rights being violated.
The plaintiff seeks significant financial compensation for damages incurred due to these alleged violations. Specifically, Cartwright is suing Aaron Logan Ross for $125,000 and Kaufman County for $250,000. He is also pursuing exemplary damages against Ross for what he describes as egregious conduct that led others to harass him further after the incident.
Represented by attorney David D. Davis from Grand Prairie, Texas, Cartwright demands compensatory and punitive damages along with court costs and attorney’s fees as permitted under federal law (42 U.S.C §1988). The case highlights ongoing concerns about police misconduct and accountability within local law enforcement agencies.
This high-stakes legal battle will be presided over by Judge N/A under Case ID: 3:26-cv-00258-N. As it unfolds in courtrooms across Dallas Division in Northern District Texas district courts; all eyes are set on how justice will be served regarding these serious allegations involving misuse of power among public officials tasked with upholding citizens’ rights while maintaining order within their communities.
Source: 326cv258_Joshua_Cartwright_v_Aaron_Logan_Ross_Complaint_Southern_District_of_Texas.pdf