Beaumont Council Member Accused in Hit-and-Run After Ethics Crackdown

LaDonna Sherwood, who recently led censure of fellow council members, now faces investigation over alleged incident at downtown political event.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:55pm

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A Beaumont City Council member, LaDonna Sherwood, is under investigation following an alleged hit-and-run accident at a downtown political event. Sherwood, who has served on the city council since May 2025, was recently involved in an effort to censure fellow council members for conduct 'unbecoming of an elected official.' The incident occurred on January 22nd, where Sherwood is accused of striking a parked vehicle and leaving the scene.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential hypocrisy and double standards that can exist among elected officials, especially when it comes to issues of ethics and conduct. Sherwood's involvement in the hit-and-run incident, shortly after leading the charge to censure other council members, raises questions about accountability and the standards to which public officials are held.

The details

According to a Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report, dispatch was notified at 8:17 p.m. on January 22nd of a crash in a private parking lot near the 500 block of Orleans Street, where 'Unit 1, a black BMW, backed up and collided with Unit 2, a white BMW 750 and states Unit 1 fled the scene without exchanging information.' The white BMW is listed as belonging to Stephen Cornwell, the husband of former Mrs. Beaumont Melissa Cornwell. Witnesses at the scene, including local doctor and political candidate Ray Callas, Beaumont attorney Mark Faggard, and Annette Wade, reported seeing a black BMW leave the scene after the incident.

  • The incident occurred on January 22, 2026.
  • Sherwood led the effort to censure fellow council members for 'unbecoming' conduct in a Beaumont City Council meeting on December 2, 2025.
  • Sherwood posted on her social media the morning after the reported hit-and-run incident, stating 'Keep my Name out Your Mouth.'

The players

LaDonna Sherwood

A Beaumont City Council member who has served on the council since May 2025 and recently led an effort to censure fellow council members for conduct 'unbecoming of an elected official.'

Melissa Cornwell

The owner of the white BMW 750 that was allegedly struck by Sherwood's vehicle in the hit-and-run incident.

Ray Callas

A local doctor and political candidate who is currently in the race for Dade Phelan's District 21 seat, and was a witness to the hit-and-run incident.

Mark Faggard

A Beaumont attorney who was a witness to the hit-and-run incident along with his significant other, Annette Wade.

Stephen Cornwell

The husband of former Mrs. Beaumont Melissa Cornwell, whose vehicle was allegedly struck in the hit-and-run incident.

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What they’re saying

“Ray went in and made an announcement that if you drive a white BMW, come outside, your car got hit, and I noticed the guy that was with her drove back around looking and checking on things.”

— Mark Faggard, Beaumont attorney

“An elected city official should be held to a higher standard.”

— Mark Faggard, Beaumont attorney

“Late Saturday evening, the person who hit my car got in touch with me and said they didn't know they had hit me but wanted to do the right thing — it took her a few days, but I'm sure her head was spinning by all the accusations.”

— Melissa Cornwell

“Whether I think I did something or not, I stepped up and called this lady and said, 'Let me help you' — help somebody that has a problem.”

— LaDonna Sherwood, Beaumont City Council member

“People didn't elect me because of my past; some is true, some is not. I'm an imperfect person.”

— LaDonna Sherwood, Beaumont City Council member

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow LaDonna Sherwood out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of upholding ethical standards among elected officials, especially when they are accused of misconduct themselves. It raises questions about accountability, transparency, and the public's trust in local government.