The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has publicly admonished Atascosa County Justice of the Peace Russell “Rusty” Prasifka (Republican) after he made a sexually inappropriate joke to a female jail officer while inside the secure booking area of the county jail.
The incident occurred on December 7, 2024, but only recently came to light after the Commission concluded its investigation and issued a formal public admonition during its April 2–3, 2025 meeting. The Commission determined that Judge Prasifka’s behavior violated judicial conduct rules and brought “public discredit upon the judiciary.”
The Joke That Sparked a Formal Complaint
According to official findings, Judge Prasifka had just finished his magistrate duties at the Atascosa County Jail when he walked into the booking area and turned to Sergeant Christopher Rodriguez. In front of Corporal Javier Sandoval and Officer Emily Gonzales, the judge asked, “Would you like to hear a joke?”
Without warning, Prasifka pointed at Officer Gonzales to include her in the conversation, then raised his right hand with two fingers extended. What followed was both shocking and deeply inappropriate.
“What two fingers should every [censored] with in the world?” he asked, patting his own chest before answering: “These two right here, because they’re mine.”
The remark left Officer Gonzales stunned. According to the Commission’s report, she felt “extremely uncomfortable and disrespected” by the comment. Within three days, she filed a formal complaint with the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Rodriguez and Corporal Sandoval also submitted written reports about the incident.
“It Was a Comedy Show Joke,” Prasifka Said
In his written response to the Commission, Judge Prasifka admitted he made the comment but claimed he had heard the joke at a comedy show. He denied directing it specifically toward Officer Gonzales but acknowledged her discomfort and expressed regret that she felt disrespected.
That explanation did little to sway the Commission.
Commission: Prasifka Violated Judicial Conduct Code
The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded that Judge Prasifka’s joke was a clear violation of Canon 3B(4) of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, which requires judges to remain “patient, dignified and courteous” in their interactions. Moreover, the Commission determined that his actions constituted willful conduct that cast public discredit on the judiciary—grounds for formal discipline under Article V, Section 1-a(6)A of the Texas Constitution.
In a written order signed by Vice-Chair Ken Wise, the Commission issued a public admonition—one of the most serious forms of discipline short of suspension or removal.
“The joke was inappropriate, disrespectful, and entirely out of line for someone holding judicial office,” the order implies. “His failure to maintain professional decorum not only harmed the dignity of those present but also the credibility of the judiciary.”
A Breach of Trust Behind the Badge
While the Commission’s ruling marks the end of its administrative process, it leaves behind lingering questions for Atascosa County residents. Judges are expected to hold themselves to the highest standards—especially when inside correctional facilities, where they interact with law enforcement and detained individuals in sensitive settings.
Officer Gonzales, a professional working in one of the most stressful and vulnerable environments in law enforcement, had every right to expect professionalism and respect. Instead, she was made the subject of a sexually demeaning joke—by a sitting judge.
No Criminal Charges—But Public Consequences
At this time, there are no indications that Judge Prasifka will face criminal charges or be removed from office. Public admonition does not carry punitive weight but does serve as a formal blemish on a judge’s record. It also sends a strong message to the public and other members of the judiciary: inappropriate conduct behind closed doors can still result in public accountability.
Whether this incident leads to broader consequences—such as community backlash, calls for resignation, or electoral repercussions—remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the trust placed in Judge Prasifka has been shaken, and a cloud now hangs over Precinct 4’s courtroom.
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