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Private Security Impersonation Leads to Woodlands Arrests

**Security Firm Owner Arrested After Bizarre Dispute Leads to Family’s False Arrest in The Woodlands**

**THE WOODLANDS, TX** – A tumultuous dispute between a The Woodlands family and a private security company they hired has led to serious charges against the security firm’s owner, Brandon S. Schmalfeldt, while initial charges against the family have been dismissed. The bizarre series of events unfolded over several weeks in August, involving alleged assault, an illegitimate eviction notice, and a surprising turn of arrests.

John and Tiffany Stotler, residents of Timberline Drive, initially hired Alpha-Omega Patrol in late July or early August to provide security services for their home, citing concerns for their special needs child. However, the relationship quickly deteriorated due to disputes over service quality and payments.

The situation escalated dramatically by August 25 when Alpha-Omega Patrol, despite having no legal authority as a landlord, issued an eviction notice to the Stotlers, demanding they vacate their property.

According to the Stotlers, the conflict came to a head on the morning of August 29. They allege that an Alpha-Omega officer assaulted Tiffany Stotler. Following this incident, around 10:00 AM, the Stotlers contacted the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) seeking assistance.

However, the initial response from law enforcement took an unexpected turn for the Stotler family. Tiffany Stotler, John Stotler, and their adult son were all arrested by MCSO deputies. Tiffany and her son were initially charged with criminal mischief, later amended to assault. John Stotler faced charges for interfering with public duties. All charges against the Stotler family have since been dismissed following further investigation.

“We just wanted to feel safe in our own home, especially for our child,” Tiffany Stotler reportedly told a family friend, expressing her shock and distress over their initial arrests. “To be treated like criminals when we were the ones asking for help was terrifying.”

A subsequent investigation by MCSO, spearheaded by Detective Michael Bell, began to uncover a different narrative, suggesting the Stotlers were the victims in the escalating conflict. This led to a significant development the following day, August 30, when Alpha-Omega Patrol’s owner, Brandon S. Schmalfeldt, was taken into custody.

Schmalfeldt now faces serious charges, including impersonating a public servant, for which he was issued a $3,000 bond, and engaging in organized criminal activity, carrying a $15,000 bond. Authorities contend that Schmalfeldt and his company operated under the false pretense of possessing police powers, which private security firms in Texas are not legally authorized to exercise.

“The impersonation of a public servant, especially a law enforcement officer, is a serious offense that undermines public trust and can have dangerous consequences,” stated a spokesperson for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between private security and sworn police officers.

Court records reveal that Schmalfeldt has a prior misdemeanor assault conviction from 2017 in Harris County and a dismissed assault charge in Montgomery County from 2022.

While Alpha-Omega Patrol does hold an active license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in December 2022, a check of the DPS website confirms that this license strictly permits private security operations and does not grant any law enforcement functions or powers. Private security guards in Texas are authorized to observe and report, protect property, and deter crime, but they do not possess arrest powers beyond those of any private citizen, nor can they issue legal documents like eviction notices.

“Private security plays a vital role in protecting businesses and individuals, but there are clear boundaries defined by state law,” explained local attorney Sarah Jenkins, who specializes in security regulations. “Any company or individual claiming police powers without proper authorization is operating outside the law and putting the public at risk.”

Attempts to reach Alpha-Omega Patrol for comment regarding the charges against its owner and the allegations made by the Stotler family were unsuccessful.

The ongoing case is being handled by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, and Schmalfeldt is awaiting further court proceedings. The Stotler family, relieved to have their charges dismissed, is reportedly exploring their legal options regarding the events that transpired.

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