LA MARQUE — Former La Marque City Manager J.B. Pritchett is now at the center of a widening criminal investigation, with five warrants issued for his arrest, including one for arson of a habitat — a first-degree felony under Texas law.

The charges were made public just days after Pritchett abruptly stepped down from his post on Monday. His resignation followed mounting scrutiny over allegedly misrepresenting his educational background, which authorities say includes falsely claiming degrees he never earned — a Class B misdemeanor.

According to court records and reporting by i45Now, Pritchett is also accused of presenting a fabricated or fictitious military record. Investigators believe he falsely identified himself as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Additional charges include knowingly making a false report to law enforcement about an alleged act of vandalism and arson on his property. Warrants also cite the use of a fake degree and giving false statements during an official investigation.

As of Thursday, Pritchett had not responded to media inquiries and could not be reached for comment.