The Mysterious Case of a Custodial Death in the Comal County Jail: Unraveling the Truth
The in-custody death of Joseph Bart Bond at Comal County Jail, Texas, has sparked concern due to a lack of transparency and oversight. Despite customary reporting requirements, no record of Bond’s death exists, prompting an open records request. This case highlights the need for comprehensive reporting and accountability in the criminal justice system, prompting a call for truth and integrity.
Texas Attorney General’s Office Opinion on Deputy Sheriff Operation of Fixed Commercial Vehicle Weigh Station
The Texas Attorney General’s Office analyzed the operation of a fixed commercial vehicle weigh station by a deputy sheriff. It concluded that the relevant statutory provisions do not authorize a deputy sheriff to direct all commercial vehicles to the weigh station without prior suspicion of unlawful weight. The Fourth Amendment’s applicability is undetermined.
McAllen ISD Trespasses then Arrests 1st Amendment Auditor
Manuel Pescador Jr., a 1st Amendment Auditor, was arrested for trespassing at McAllen ISD after attempting to schedule meetings and sign up for public comment. Despite having a legitimate reason to be on the property, he was denied and subsequently arrested for criminal trespass, even though he had previously been served a warning. An arrest warrant was signed on February 12, 2024.
Lawsuit Filed Against City of Midland Police & Officer David Laborde
Michelle A. Pelkey has filed a lawsuit against a City of Midland Police Officer and unknown Midland County Sheriff’s Office employees for alleged civil rights violations. The lawsuit stems from an incident on March 9, 2023, involving excessive force and lack of medical attention. Pelkey suffered injuries and faces ongoing challenges. The case is ongoing.
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.