Update One: Finally found the link again: https://bigbendtimes.com/2025/01/21/when-government-harassment-turns-deadly-a-chilling-warning-from-the-big-bend-times-battle-for-justice/. (Second update at the bottom, with a bonus third update!)
In January of 2025, David Flash posted on the internet likening himself to the people involved with Backpage. For those who have not been keeping up, David Flash is a digital marketer that appears to be using the Big Bend region for his own profit by creating fake controversy that he can use to drive traffic to his SEO clickbait websites, and his GoFundMe. Backpage “was a classified advertising website founded in 2004 by the alternative newspaper chain New Times Inc./New Times Media …” The TL;DR on Backpage is they were caught up in a controversy with politicians beating up on them for their own ends. There were many court battles and a lot of people agree they got railroaded unfairly. One of the defendants killed himself in 2023 and another is out on bond while appealing his prison sentence. It’s a sad story that echoes the story of Aaron Schwartz.
Flash forward to Jan 21, 2025 and David posts something likening his own situation to that of Backpage. Claiming that he “…has become the target of relentless intimidation by Jeff Davis County officials, raising troubling parallels to the tragic toll such misuse of power has taken on others before him.” Later in the post: “If Jeff Davis County continues its dangerous trajectory, it risks inflicting irreparable harm on someone unable to endure the strain.” Is Flash suicidal? Will he kill himself just so he can blame it on Jeff Davis County? Only time can tell, but it is a strange parallel to draw. There is another parallel that might be more useful here.
The Westboro Baptist Church used to get coverage on the internet and sometimes the news with outrageous protests apparently designed to get a rise out of people. They would do things like show up to a veteran’s funeral with signs saying “God Hates F*gs” and such. Many people believed they did it all for the publicity and/or to get people to respond with violence or otherwise do things the group could then sue over. From Wikipedia: “A number of critics have alleged that the actions of WBC are merely a ploy to receive publicity, and argue that ignoring it completely would be more effective than counter-protests.”
It would be easier if David Flash’s trouble making could be ignored completely, but life isn’t always easy. We must stand up to Flash or he will continue to attack our community. The parallels between Flash and the Westboro Baptist church are fascinating. The difference is that Flash has websites that will likely always be able to make some money via internet ads and GoFundMe. Perhaps at some point it will become so clear that Flash is using his websites and social media to harass the Fort Davis Community that he can be de-platformed. It’s possible that FB, Google, Automattic, GoFundMe, and other companies will agree that Flash’s use of their services likely violates their terms that don’t allow harassment.
This reporter hopes that anyone who has donated to Flash’s GoFundMe will consider requesting a refund. It doesn’t seem like David is really trying to fight corruption but that he is manufacturing controversy to drive traffic to his clickbait websites.
UPDATE: Not long after this site was started, our editorial team received a tip. David Flash has a tragic family history, and perhaps a valid reason to hate a county in Texas. Just not Jeff Davis County. No wonder David has delusions that law enforcement is out to get him. Or that he is constantly trying to create controversy. David, please listen. Jeff Davis County is not Hayes County. Our sheriff isn’t the one who went after your step mom. After a couple of years of trying to cause trouble, you haven’t actually detailed any corruption in our county. This isn’t going to end well for you. I wouldn’t be surprised if you get the maximum sentence for your ongoing harassment in Jeff Davis County. There could even be additional charges on the way. You are exactly like the Westboro Baptist Church. Looking for trouble so you can sue whoever you are able to get a reaction from. What a sad life. I hope you are able to get better one day. That first harassment charge can get you a year in jail. Maybe that will be enough time to think about what you are.
THIRD UPDATE: We have corrected text above to note that it was Flash’s Step Mother that was involved in the incident where David’s brother was shot and killed.
You people have no shame. You discredit yourselves and look small and petty in your unsuccessful attempts to discredit David Flash.
It’s kinda weird because us people think that you and Flash have no shame. Have you looked into what Flash has been up to? Read some of the articles here, we explain it very well. Flash is just trying to get a rise out of the people he harasses, and then he takes advantage of people like yourself who have not yet realized what he is up to. I really hope you will take the time to check out this site.
It’s been quite a while since I quit viewing Flash’s posts. He obviously has a grudge against LE and tried to paint LEOs in the Big Bend with a broad brush, to imply, directly or indirectly, a sinister look to it. Now I see why. He’s a sick puppy. I hope he gets re-homed from the pound by a good soul who will train him properly. I love the Big Bend, and miss my old stomping ground, the wild country. I dislike folks who portay it as a somehow creepy place populated by thugs.
Thanks for you comment, and yes you hit the nail on the head. Really lame of the guy to trash the Big Bend just to fluff his own ego. Worse that so many people seem to take him at his word without thinking first.
The County emplyoees should not be posting on a fake WordPress site.
I’m not sure I understand your comment. Are you saying David Flash’s WordPress site is fake? Or this WordPress site? I don’t think it’s fair to call either site fake. They both exist and are websites. Next, what do you mean by county employees should not be posting? I haven’t seen anything on Flash’s websites that was posted by an employee of any county. And I’m the only person who posts here, and I don’t work for the county. Can you elaborate? Also, it looks like you only looked at one article on this site. Please take a look at some of the other articles. I feel like we do a good job of explaining what Flash is up to. And finally, your IP address comes up as at The State of Wyoming. Perhaps pot calling kettle black?