Bastrop County Commissioner Bubba Snowden was arrested Tuesday on charges of abuse of official capacity after a grand jury handed down an indictment accusing him of misusing government property for personal gain.

Snowden is accused of using construction materials belonging to the county and employing road and bridge crews to resurface and put limestone base on two private roads, according to the indictment. He has been charged with three counts of abuse of official capacity, one a third-degree felony in an amount of $30,000 or more but less than $100,000, and two state jail felonies in an amount of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000, records show.

Snowden was booked into the Bastrop County Jail on Tuesday evening and released shortly after on a $75,000 personal recognizance bond, the Bastrop County sheriff’s office said.

"I am not guilty of each and every charge contained in this indictment," he said in a statement Wednesday. "I have known of the allegations for a long time. I am confident that time will prove that they were politically motivated and instigated by a few individuals whose only intent was my removal for their personal benefit."

The indictment specifically states that Snowden used county property and personnel to resurface 0.8 miles of Wilbarger Creek Drive and put limestone base on Moon Brake Road, both private roads, "with the intent to obtain a benefit and harm and defraud another."

It is illegal for the county to work on private roads without approval by the Commissioners Court.

Snowden admitted to doing the work but said he had not gained anything from it; it was merely to help residents who live in the area. He said the county had approved work on a low-water crossing at Wilbarger Creek, and he merely used additional funds to repair the road. He said the limestone on Moon Brake Road was just a touch-up after flood damage.

"I am proud of the work and service which Bastrop County, Precinct 4 employees and I did to repair the roads in a time of need," Snowden said. "The repairs not only helped many residents who use those roads daily to get to work and school, but the public at large who use the roads: school buses, service providers, emergency providers, police and the public at large."

Snowden said he does not own any property near the two roads or know anyone who does and did not benefit from the work.

"I look forward to a public trial, when I will testify and offer evidence which will prove my innocence," he said.

The Texas attorney general’s office is handling Snowden’s case, which it said was investigated by the Texas Rangers. Documents related to the investigation are sealed until a final verdict is rendered, county officials said.

An indictment is a formal accusation of a felony that is delivered by a grand jury after considering evidence that is presented by a prosecutor. It is not a verdict of guilt. The county has requested a visiting judge preside over the case since it believes it would not be able to "render a just and fair ruling" on the matter and desired to "maintain the appearance of propriety," according to a motion filed Wednesday by state District Judge Christopher Duggan.

"The indictment of Commissioner Snowden is of grave concern to me, as it should be to all in public service. These are serious charges that cannot be winked at," Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape said in a statement. "Even after a grand jury has done it’s work, we must all remember that anyone accused of or even indicted for a crime is innocent until proven guilty by a fair trial in a court of law.No one should jump to conclusions about the outcome at this time. This matter will be resolved through the proper process. Meanwhile, I will continue to work with Bubba Snowden and all our elected officials and staff to serve the citizens of Bastrop County."

The charges against Snowden are punishable up to two years in jail for the state jail felonies and up to 10 years in prison for the third-degree felony. Snowden will be allowed to remain in office unless he is convicted, the Bastrop County district attorney’s office said.

"I will continue to do the best job for the people of Bastrop County as long as the voters wish me to serve," Snowden said. "I am not going to quit. I am going to run for this office, and I am going to win."

Snowden has served as commissioner for Precinct 4, which encompasses the northeastern part of the county, including Elgin, since 2012. He is up for re-election in 2018. Criminal defense attorney and former Bastrop County interim Sheriff Rosanna Abreo filed Monday to run against Snowden in the Republican primary in March.