DIRECTLY FROM THE State Comission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC), occurring on September 8, 2020:
During a meeting on August 5-6, 2020, the SCJC completed a review of the allegations against the Honorable Lee Harper Wilson, Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 10, Houston, Harris County, Texas.
“On January 29, 2019, Judge Wilson advised Sarai Garza (“Garza”), a paralegal employed by a local attorney, that she was not permitted to sit in a section of the courtroom reserved for attorneys. Judge Wilson then stepped down from the bench, approached Garza, and admonished her for doing so, speaking to her in a manner Garza found to be disrespectful and upsetting. According to Garza, Judge Wilson grabbed her arm during this episode, and she was left feeling “humiliated and traumatized” and “terrified” of Judge Wilson.”
“Garza filed a criminal complaint with the Houston Police Department accusing Judge Wilson of assault. On February 25, 2019, a Harris County grand jury declined to bring an indictment against Judge Wilson.
During his appearance before the Commission, Judge Wilson denied he treated Garza with a lack of patience, dignity, and courtesy, but acknowledged he stepped off the bench, approached Garza, and admonished her for sitting in the section of the courtroom reserved for attorneys. Judge Wilson testified he has no recollection of touching Garza, though a number of witnesses gave statements to the Houston Police Department indicating he did in fact touch her.”
The Judge, after review, received a public admonishment, amongst of other items which can be found by going to the SCJC Publishing.