Ellis County Commissioner Matthew L. Zajic was arrested in Ennis after a reported incident at a local retailer and booked on a misdemeanor theft charge, officials said. He was charged with theft of property valued between $100 and $750 and was arraigned in Ennis the following day. Zajic posted a $1,000 bond and was released while the case remains under investigation.
Police account and charges
According to the Ennis Police Department, officers arrested Zajic on Thursday after a reported incident at a local retailer and booked him on a theft charge involving property valued between $100 and $750. The department said in a public post that Zajic was arraigned in Ennis yesterday and bonded out for $1,000. The agency added that the investigation is still active and that no additional details can be released at this time.
Who is Matthew Zajic
Zajic is listed as the appointed county commissioner for Precinct 2 on an Ellis County roster of elected officials. His campaign site and local records state that he operates a family farm and has been active in county politics in recent years. Voter materials and county documents show him in contention for the Precinct 2 seat in the 2026 election cycle.
Legal implications
Under Texas law, theft in the amount alleged is typically prosecuted as a Class B misdemeanor, which can carry up to 180 days in county jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both, according to Texas Penal Code §12.22. A conviction would result in a misdemeanor record and could bring political and professional fallout, depending on how the case is resolved in court.
What happens next
The Ennis Police Department says its investigation is ongoing and that it cannot provide further information while that work continues, per its Facebook post. Future hearings and scheduling for misdemeanor cases in this county are handled through the Ellis County courts and the county clerk's misdemeanor division, where dockets and filings will be posted. County documents currently continue to list Zajic as the appointed commissioner while the legal process plays out.
The arrest highlights the level of scrutiny that comes with public office. Zajic, like anyone charged with a crime, is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This story will be updated as court filings, official statements, or additional public records become available.
