Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has called for the resignation of state Rep. Jeff Leach, accusing him of overstepping his authority by contacting a judge to advocate for a death row inmate's retrial.
Rep. Jeff Leach has been publicly criticized by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for allegedly attempting to unduly influence a judge in relation to a death row inmate's case. The attorney general has publicly called for Leach's resignation. Paxton contended that Leach's actions render him unsuitable for his legislative position, notably as the chair of the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
In his statement, Paxton urged House Speaker Dade Phelan to remove Leach from his chair position, stating that his conduct demonstrates that he is unfit to supervise our judicial system in any capacity and unfit to serve as a member of the Texas House.
Leach initiated the controversy by sending a text message to Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Michelle Slaughter, requesting that she reevaluate the case of death row inmate Robert Roberson. Roberson's conviction was referred to as "too many holes and too much uncertainty" in Leach's message. Slaughter, who had previously voted with the court's majority to reject Roberson's appeal, reported the messages to the court and declined to respond.
Leach issued a public apology, asserting that he believed he was entitled to provide commentary on the case due to his lack of involvement. However, the Texas State Bar's ethical standards may vary with Leach's endeavors to influence judicial outcomes in ongoing cases or foreseeable matters, as Texas disciplinary rules for attorneys prohibit such practices.
Paxton also filed a criminal referral against Leach, alleging he attempted to influence a judicial decision. He also claimed that Leach's actions have incited a political dispute regarding Roberson's case. The inmate, who was convicted in 2003 for the death of his young daughter, has consistently maintained his innocence, contending that emerging scientific evidence indicates that she died of natural causes.
Leach, a former Paxton ally and a longtime advocate for Roberson, was instrumental in postponing Roberson's execution earlier this month, which caused tension with Paxton's office.
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