LA MARQUE, Texas — La Marque Mayor Keith Bell is facing an indecent exposure charge after authorities say a woman encountered him allegedly exposing himself and masturbating inside an office in Angleton, Texas.
Bell, 53, was taken into custody Friday in Brazoria County and booked into jail on a charge of indecent exposure, a Class B misdemeanor, according to jail records and local news reports. (KPRC)
New information released by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office provides additional details about the allegation that led to the mayor’s arrest.
According to FOX 26 Houston, deputies responded to a business in Angleton at approximately 9:30 a.m. Friday. A woman told authorities she was walking toward her office when she allegedly encountered a man sitting in an office chair with his genitals exposed and masturbating. Authorities identified the man as Bell, according to the report. (FOX 26 Houston)
Bell was arrested at the scene without incident, authorities said.
The allegations quickly attracted attention because Bell is not only the mayor of La Marque but also serves as the city’s emergency management director and is a local pastor. He has served as mayor since 2021. (FOX 26 Houston)
Bond Set at $75,000
Bell appeared before a judge Saturday morning, where his bond was set at $75,000.
Court-imposed bond conditions also require Bell to stay away from a specific person and address in Angleton, according to KPRC 2. The identity of that person and the relationship, if any, between Bell and the individual have not been publicly detailed. (KPRC)
Indecent exposure is classified as a Class B misdemeanor under Texas law. Bell has been charged, but the allegation has not been proven in court.
City Calls Arrest “Shocking and Disheartening”
The City of La Marque publicly confirmed Bell’s arrest Friday evening while emphasizing that the alleged incident did not involve his official duties.
City officials described the development as “shocking and disheartening” and acknowledged concerns from residents as they gather more information. The city said it will follow its charter and applicable laws while determining what comes next. (City of La Marque)
The arrest does not automatically remove Bell from office. KPRC reported that Texas law does not require his immediate resignation simply because he has been arrested. Any potential effort to remove him would depend on the outcome of the case and applicable state law and provisions of La Marque’s city charter. (KPRC)
Bell Has Been a Longtime Figure in La Marque Politics
Bell has spent years in La Marque government. He became mayor in 2021 and was reelected in 2024 after previously spending years on the City Council. (Houston Chronicle)
His arrest now puts one of the city’s most recognizable public officials at the center of a criminal case while questions remain about what impact, if any, the charge could have on his political future.
For now, Bell faces an allegation rather than a conviction. Additional details could emerge as investigators, prosecutors and city officials release more information about the case.
