Judge rules to temporarily suspend Sheriff Lyde

Clay County Sheriff Jeffrey Lyde sits and waits during proceedings Jan.  17, 2023, at the Clay County Courthouse in Henrietta.

Clay County Sheriff Jeffrey Lyde sits and waits during proceedings Jan. 17, 2023, at the Clay County Courthouse in Henrietta.

MONTAGUE, Texas — A judge ruled to temporarily suspend Clay County Sheriff Jeffrey Lyde from his official duties after a hearing Thursday for a petition to oust him from the elected office.

The judge did not designate an interim sheriff Thursday. Lyde’s suspension will not take effect until the judge appoints an interim sheriff and that person posts a bond.

Senior Justice Lee Gabriel requested both sides to send lists of potential candidates. She opted not to go with the