The Texas Attorney General's Office informed the Texas Supreme Court about an improper action by State Representative Jeff Leach. The legislator's attempt to influence a judge in the capital punishment case of Robert Roberson, who was convicted of murder in 2002, represents a serious breach of legal ethics, as reported by the Texas Attorney General.
According to the Texas Attorney General, these revelations emerged after the Court of Criminal Appeals learned about text messages from Leach to one of its judges. Leach's texts crossed boundaries meant to protect the integrity of the judicial process, forming ex parte communications that deviated from standard practices. The Representative called upon the judge, writing, "Judge - I’ve wracked my brain about whether I should send you this message... about where I even can send you this message legally and ethically. […] One Judge. That’s all that is needed to simply say… there are too many questions and too many holes and too much uncertainty… and Robert Roberson deserves a new trial. […]".
After State Representative Jeff Leach attempted to influence a judge in the capital punishment case of Robert Roberson, the judge reported the incident, and the Court classified it as an ethical violation. The Court of Criminal Appeals stated, "This Court sees this communication as a clear violation of Texas Disciplinary Rule of Professional Conduct 3.05" Roberson, sentenced to death for the murder of his two-year-old daughter Nikki, is now under review due to this interference. The Attorney General's Office informed the state's highest court to address this overreach and ensure that judicial impartiality is maintained, as stated by the Texas Attorney General.
