Judge Brandon Barrera has been suspended without pay following his indictment for possession of methamphetamine. He is currently serving as the Kleberg County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC), which is responsible for investigating allegations of this kind, issued the order of suspension against Barrera last week.
“Having considered the indictment, the Commission concluded that Judge Barrera is charged with one count of Possession of Controlled Substance, a 3rd Degree Felony,” the order stated.
“The Commission determined that BRANDON W. BARRERA, should be SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY from the judicial office of Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Kleberg County, Texas,” the order continued. “[T]his suspension shall remain in effect until the charges set forth in the indictment are dismissed, Judge Barrera is acquitted of all charges in the indictment, or upon further order(s) of the Commission.”
Background
Judge Barrera’s legal troubles stem from a January 2026 incident in which he was reportedly involved in a disturbance at a Walmart in Kingsville.
Officers arrived on scene to learn that Barrera had gotten into a physical altercation with a loss prevention specialist. The employee indicated that they wished to press charges, leading to Barrera’s arrest.
Upon searching Barrera, officers discovered a small baggie that was believed to contain a controlled substance. A laboratory analysis later identified the substance as methamphetamine. He was then transported and booked into the Kleberg County Jail.
In May, Barrera announced on Facebook that he had completed a rehabilitation program.
“I took responsibility, got the help I needed, and have remained focused on my recovery and service to Precinct 2 ever since,” he wrote. “I’m committed to being the best leader and person I can be for our community. Thank you for your support as we move forward together.”
On June 5, Barrera was indicted by a grand jury of the 105th District Court in Nueces County for possessing between one and four grams of meth.
The SCJC was notified of the indictment on July 2. The commission ordered his suspension that same day.
Judge Barrera (R) was elected to his seat in 2022 and is up for reelection this November.
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