LA MARQUE — The attorney for former La Marque City Manager Joshua “J.B.” Pritchett is speaking out after five criminal charges were filed against her client, claiming the allegations are politically motivated and lack investigative merit.

In a press release issued Friday morning, attorney Duana Boswell-Loechel described the case against Pritchett as “retaliatory prosecution,” stating that the charges followed a cease-and-desist letter her office sent to city officials last month.

Pritchett is accused of arson, making false statements to police, and falsifying both academic and military credentials. One charge stems from an incident on July 3, where Pritchett reported his fence being set on fire — an act prosecutors now allege he staged himself.

Boswell-Loechel strongly denied those claims.

“Mr. Pritchett would never endanger his own family’s safety, who were present during the July 3rd incident at his residence,” she stated. “The suggestion that he would commit arson at his own home while his family was inside defies logic and reason.”

According to the attorney, Pritchett was never interviewed by police before charges were filed. She says her client submitted only one employment application to the City of La Marque, which contains no discrepancies. That application was reviewed and approved by now-Police Chief Randall Aragon — the same official overseeing the investigation against him.

Boswell-Loechel also pointed to a June 9 cease-and-desist letter sent to Councilman Joseph Lowry, Chief Aragon, and the City of La Marque, demanding they stop what she described as a coordinated campaign of harassment. She argues the criminal charges were filed in retaliation.

“These charges stem from incidents where Mr. Pritchett was the victim of harassment and intimidation. Mr. Pritchett reported incidents to law enforcement in good faith, seeking protection for his family,” the release reads.

The legal team says Pritchett plans to voluntarily surrender to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office at an undisclosed time for his safety. In the meantime, they are calling for independent investigations by the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office and the Texas Rangers.

The statement concluded with a reminder that Pritchett is presumed innocent until proven guilty and requested privacy for his family. No further public statements will be made while legal proceedings are ongoing.