Ethics
2 judges suspended in separate cases after being indicted on criminal charges
Two Texas justices of the peace involved in separate cases were suspended after being indicted on criminal charges that include felony drug possession in one instance and official oppression in the other, according to the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct. (Image from Shutterstock)
Two Texas justices of the peace involved in separate cases were suspended after being indicted on criminal charges that include felony drug possession in one instance and official oppression in the other, according to the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
Kleberg County, Texas, Justice of the Peace Brandon W. Barrera was arrested Jan. 24 and later suspended without pay after being indicted by a grand jury for allegedly possessing of between 1 and 4 grams of methamphetamine.
The drug is considered a third-degree felony under the Texas Controlled Substances Act carrying a sentence of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, according to coverage on Law.com.
Barrera did not comment for the article.
Colorado County, Texas, Justice of the Peace Donald J. Clark in Precinct 3, based in Columbus, Texas, was suspended with pay in a different case that involved a grand jury issuing three indictments in the 25th Judicial District Court in Texas.
In February, the indictments allege that Clark unlawfully arrested a man and made a false statement to a Columbus police officer, alleging that the suspect had threatened him. Charges against Clark include official oppression, false report to a peace officer, and a false report to induce emergency response—all misdemeanor charges.
No comment from Clark’s office was issued.
Write a letter to the editor, share a story tip or update, or report an error.