State District Judge Interrupts Jury Deliberations With A Message From God
District Judge Jack Robison was presiding over the case when he is said to have interrupted the jury during deliberations to deliver a message from God.
A 207th district judge, encompassing Comal, Caldwell and Hays Counties, has been in the news lately for his actions during a sex trafficking case of a teenager case.
The defendant, a Buda woman charged of sex trafficking of her teenage niece. District Judge Jack Robison was presiding over the case when he is said to have interrupted the jury during deliberations to deliver a message from God.
Gloria Elizabeth Romero Perez was arrested and charged in August 2016 with sex trafficking of her then 15-year-old niece to 34-year-old Julio Amilcar Jimenez-Ramirez. An investigation was launched after Romero Perez reported her niece as a runaway to Kyle police.
The teenager was returned to Romero Perez’s custody, however, she showed police two receipts totaling $1,600. The teen reported her aunt had sold her to Jimenez-Ramirez. During the investigation, Comal County Sheriff’s office discovered a pen and paper agreement agreeing to monthly payments of $600 to $700.
Jimenez-Perez was arrested in April 2017 for harboring a runaway child; he was later charged with sexual assault and trafficking of a child after the teenager was discovered to be pregnant with Jimenez-Perez’s child.
The case went to trial against Romero Perez in October of 2017.
According to the New Braunfels Herald Zeitung, Judge Robison attempted to sway the jury by informing them that God had told him the defendant was not guilty.
Interference in jury proceedings by a judge violates the Model Code of Judicial Conduct and could result in an investigation by the State Commission of Judicial Conduct.
According to the Austin Statesman, Robison recused himself from the remainder of the sentencing trial. While he acknowledged his actions were improper, he said he had made his peace for delivering a message from God.
Defense attorney, Sylvia Cavazos, filed for a mistrial; however, her request was denied by replacement Judge Gary Steele. The jury found the Perez guilty and sentenced her to 25 years in prison for the sex trafficking of her niece. The jury, however, found her not guilty of sale or purchase of a child.
No investigation could be confirmed or denied by the Commission of Judicial Conduct. However, Robison could potentially be forced to retire or be removed from office if formal charges are filed. Several judges resigned after investigations in 2016 as well as in 2017, but a judge has not been forcefully removed from office in the state of Texas since 2004.
Alternately, Robison could receive lesser penalties such as a reprimand or mandatory training. Complaints are not publicized unless formal charges are filed or punishment issued.
Robison is due to return to the bench, Wednesday, Jan. 31. The state district judge is up for reelection in November and currently has no one running against him on the ballot.
