The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct has issued a public admonition against Justice of the Peace Lamar De La Cruz of Starr County, Precinct 6, after she used her courtroom to intervene in a private dispute.

The matter dates back to June 2022, when Starr County resident Jesse Clarke sought Judge De La Cruz’s help in reclaiming a 1980 Chevrolet pickup truck that had been in the custody of auto shop owner Feliberto Bazan for nearly a decade. Clarke contacted the judge directly, and De La Cruz telephoned Bazan, instructing him to appear that same afternoon.

Courtroom Mediation Without a Case

Believing he had been officially summoned, Bazan arrived at the courtroom where Judge De La Cruz, Clarke, and a constable were already waiting. The judge then facilitated a heated mediation that ended with Bazan handing over the truck and paying Clarke $500 for services never performed.

Days later, Bazan requested a formal copy of the summons. He was told no case had ever been filed in De La Cruz’s court.

Judge’s Defense to the Commission

In written responses to the Commission, De La Cruz argued she was merely helping two community members resolve a business disagreement and that Bazan’s attendance was voluntary. “There is no court case or court cause number regarding the underlying matter,” she stated, adding that no one was compelled to appear.

Findings of Judicial Misconduct

The Commission rejected her explanation, concluding that De La Cruz violated several provisions of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct. Specifically, she was found to have:

• Failed to comply with the law when summoning Bazan without a case on file.
• Lent the prestige of her office to advance Clarke’s private interests.
• Denied Bazan the right to be properly heard.
• Engaged in improper ex parte communications.

The panel said her actions constituted “willful or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of her judicial duties” and damaged public trust in the judiciary .

Sanctions and Education Requirement

As punishment, De La Cruz was publicly admonished and ordered to complete two additional hours of judicial training within 60 days. The instruction must specifically address ex parte communications and the improper use of judicial office to benefit private parties.

The Commission emphasized that the sanction was imposed “to protect the public and promote public confidence in the judicial system,” underscoring the seriousness of the breach.

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