19 Reversals and Counting: Texas Judge Hit with Public Reprimand
Texas Judge Mary Lou Alvarez, who presides over the 45th District Court in Bexar County, has been publicly reprimanded by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The discipline follows 19 appellate reversals of her rulings, many involving violations of the Texas Constitution, abuse of discretion in family law cases, and improper conduct toward attorneys. The Commission cited Judge Alvarez for ignoring binding precedent, interfering with state agencies like the Department of Family and Protective Services, and using her position to advance personal interests. The case raises broader questions about judicial oversight and accountability in San Antonio and across the Texas judiciary.
Comal County Bailiff Terminated Over Facebook Video Displayed During Trial
A longtime Comal County bailiff was fired after an internal investigation confirmed that an inappropriate video played on his phone during a courtroom break in a human trafficking trial. The incident—triggered by a Facebook Reel—prompted swift disciplinary action and raised questions about conduct inside the courthouse.
“You Don’t Talk to Me”: Comal County Bailiff Fired After Explosive Courthouse Showdown
An internal affairs investigation has torn the lid off of dysfunction inside the Comal County courthouse. Deputy Bailiff Roger Bianchi, once a trusted face in district court, is now off the force—fired after a public confrontation, defiant texts over unused radios, and claims of mismanagement. But the controversy goes deeper than one man: secret WhatsApp groups, ignored citizen road rage complaints, and a chaotic chain of command raise troubling questions about who’s really in control of courthouse security—and who’s protecting the public when leadership breaks down
Atascosa County Justice of the Peace Sanctioned for Vulgar Joke at County Jail
Atascosa County Justice of the Peace Russell “Rusty” Prasifka has been publicly admonished by the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct after making a sexually inappropriate joke to a female officer inside the county jail. The judge’s vulgar remarks triggered formal complaints and disciplinary action for judicial misconduct.
New Rule Requires DAs in Major Texas Counties to Report Criminal Case Data to AG’s Office
Attorney General Ken Paxton has implemented a new rule requiring prosecutors in Texas counties with over 400,000 residents to submit quarterly and annual reports, aiming to increase oversight and hold “rogue DAs” accountable for how they handle violent crime.
Texas Judicial Commission Sanctions Retiring Fannin County Judge Over Campaign Misconduct
The Texas Judicial Conduct Commission publicly admonished Fannin County Judge Laurine Blake for ethical violations during a 2024 judicial race, citing misuse of office to support one candidate and disparage another.
Texas Follows Federal Lead in Banning DEI Policies Across Government Agencies
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued Executive Order GA-55, directing all state agencies to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies that use race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics as a factor in decision-making. The executive order follows a similar federal directive issued by President Donald Trump on January 21, 2025, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination […]
Comal County Facebook Group at Center of Defamation Lawsuit
Jessie Rahe has filed a defamation lawsuit in the District Court of Comal County, Texas, against Scott Moon and a group of unnamed individuals (John Does 1-10) over statements made in a Facebook group. Rahe alleges that Moon falsely claimed she used a sexual harassment complaint to obtain her position as Comal County Auditor. She […]
Who Oversees Off-Duty Deputies? Fayette County’s Security Contracts Spark Legal Review
On January 27, 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued Opinion No. KP-0479, addressing questions raised by Fayette County Auditor Cindy Havelka about the legal authority of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) to enter into contracts for off-duty security work. The opinion was requested following concerns that the Sheriff’s Office had engaged in contracts […]
Are QR Code Citations Legal? Texas Attorney General Weighs In
On July 25, 2024, Texas State Senator Donna Campbell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Nominations, submitted a formal request for an Attorney General opinion regarding the use of QR codes on traffic violation cards to satisfy specific legal requirements under the Texas Transportation Code, Sections 543.003 and 543.004. The request, formally designated as RQ-0552-KP, […]