Veterans Affairs Police Chief Gets Arrested, Exposes Affairs
The VISN 16 Police Chief for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Terry Jay Wallace Senior, was arrested for assault family violence in Texas. The alleged incident at Crystal Beach led to his arrest, supported by conflicting testimonies from witnesses to the assault. Further details about Wallace’s personal life and professional history have come to light. Despite inquiries, VISN 16 has not responded to the incident.
Honorable Gena Slaughter, 191st District Court Judge, Publicly Reprimanded by State Commission on Judicial Conduct
Judge Gena Slaughter of the 191st District Court in Dallas, Texas, was publicly reprimanded by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for failing to comply with the law, maintain professional competence, and cooperate with an investigation. This was due to delays in issuing rulings, prompting the Court of Appeals to intervene. Judge Slaughter received the reprimand on February 7, 2024.
Former Waller County Investigator Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering
A 49-year-old Houston resident and former Waller County DA Investigator, Mohammed “Alex” Ahmed Kassem, was convicted of attempting to distribute heroin and money laundering. The former investigator used his marked police vehicle to transport the illegal substances and was compensated $31,000. He faces potential life imprisonment and hefty fines. The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the DEA.
Prior Hays County District Clerk Employee Claims Discrimination
Mallory Rogers is suing Hays County, Texas for alleged gender discrimination and retaliation. She claims she was bypassed for a promotion in favor of a less qualified male colleague and subsequently terminated after voicing her concerns. Rogers seeks damages and aims to hold the county accountable for the alleged discriminatory and retaliatory treatment.
Texas Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Polk County Enterprise in Assistant District Attorney Defamation Lawsuit
The Texas Supreme Court’s decision on a defamation lawsuit brought by Assistant District Attorney Tommy Coleman against a small newspaper in Polk County ruled that the claimed statement was not actionably defamatory. The Court emphasized assessing the overall message of the publication and whether it conveys the gist of a true story, ultimately dismissing Coleman’s claims.
SCJC Issues 13 Public Sanctions in 2023 to Texas Judges
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) in Texas has taken disciplinary actions against judges and justices of the peace for various violations of ethical and professional conduct. These actions include reprimands, admonishments, and warnings targeting individuals who failed to fulfill judicial education requirements, engaged in inappropriate conduct, interfered with legal processes, or endorsed political candidates. The individuals reprimanded included judges for failing to complete mandatory judicial education, endorsing political candidates, and engaging in inappropriate behavior towards employees. The disciplinary actions were taken to uphold high standards for the judiciary and promote public confidence in the legal system.
Tarrant County Requests Opinion on Criminal Discovery in Juvenile Cases
Tarrant County’s Criminal District Attorney seeks guidance from the Texas Attorney General’s Office on applying criminal discovery laws to third-party records held by the local juvenile services agency. This raises ethical and confidentiality concerns regarding access to and disclosure of confidential information in juvenile court proceedings, necessitating clarity on the intersection of criminal discovery rules with juvenile cases.
Texas Attorney General Issues Opinion on School Marshals Carrying Firearms
The Texas Attorney General’s Opinion No. KP-0454 discusses the authority of school boards to designate individuals, such as school marshals, to carry firearms for protecting students and staff. It highlights the legal frameworks and discretion available to school boards under the Education Code, emphasizing the impact on school safety policies and procedures across Texas.
Democrat Race for Hays County Sheriff Heating Up with January 2024 Campaign Finance Reports
The Democratic race for Hays County Sheriff is heating up with candidates Daniel C. Law and Alexander Villalobos revealing campaign finances.
Texas Attorney General Files Brief with Supreme Court to Stop Whistleblower Lawsuit
The Texas Attorney General’s Office is locked in a lengthy legal dispute rooted in alleged violations of the Texas Whistleblower Act. Despite the Attorney General’s decision not to contest the Plaintiffs’ case and seeking judgment in their favor, the trial court’s actions have been criticized as procedural irregularities and an abuse of discretion. The Office is seeking relief through the appellate process but has been continuously denied, and the Texas Supreme Court’s intervention is being urged.