La Marque mayor arrested for alleged indecent exposure
BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas - The mayor of La Marque, Texas, was taken into Brazoria County custody on Friday for alleged incident exposure in Angleton.
La Marque mayor arrested
What we know:
Mayor Keith Bell, 53, was taken into Brazoria County custody for a warrant on Friday, according to records. He remains in custody as of Saturday morning on a $75,000 bond.
(Photo courtesy of Brazoria County jail records)
A representative for the sheriff's office says the arrest came after an incident at an Angleton business at around 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
Deputies met with a victim at the business who reportedly said she was walking to her office and noticed a man, later identified as Bell, "with his genitalia out self-gratifying in an office chair."
Officials say Bell was arrested at the scene and taken into custody without incident.
What we don't know:
Other details are not available at this time.
More on Mayor Bell
Big picture view:
According to the La Marque website, Bell was elected as mayor in 2021.
Brazoria County officials noted in their statement that Bell also serves as La Marque's Emergency Management Director and a local pastor.
What they're saying:
The City of La Marque released the following statement late Friday:
"The City of La Marque has confirmed that Mayor Keith Bell was arrested today in Brazoria County on a charge of indecent exposure.
To the residents of La Marque, we recognize that this is a shocking and disheartening development during a period that has already brought significant uncertainty and challenges to our community. We understand and share your concerns. The City is committed to keeping residents informed and will provide additional information as it becomes available, with a guaranteed update on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
This matter occurred outside of Mayor Bell's official duties with the City of La Marque. At this time, the City has no additional information beyond what is available through public records.
The City will continue to follow its Charter and all applicable laws as we evaluate next steps and gather additional verified information."
The Source: Brazoria County jail records, Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, La Marque city website, City of La Marque statement