Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a criminal referral, accusing State Rep. Jeff Leach of a “serious breach of ethical rules and violation of the law” for his role in advocating for the release of a convicted child killer.
This action follows revelations that Leach sent text messages to Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Michelle Slaughter in an attempt to sway her opinion. Leach later acknowledged the messages, explaining he was “passionate” about the case of Robert Roberson, who faced execution earlier this month for the murder of his two-year-old daughter. The execution was delayed due to legal interventions by Leach and other state lawmakers.
“Jeff Leach sought to alter the outcome of capital punishment proceedings by criminally attempting to influence a judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals,” said Paxton, citing Texas Penal Code 36.04, which prohibits “improper influence.” This law makes it a crime to “privately address a representation, entreaty, argument, or other communication to any public servant who exercises or will exercise official discretion in an adjudicatory proceeding with an intent to influence the outcome of the proceeding on the basis of considerations other than those authorized by law.”
To this end, Paxton is preparing a criminal referral for the case. Additionally, citing Leach’s role as chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence, Paxton has called for his resignation.
“He has unconstitutionally interfered in capital punishment proceedings. His conduct demonstrates he is unfit to serve in any capacity overseeing our judicial system and unfit to serve as a Member of the Texas House. House Speaker Dade Phelan must immediately remove him as Chairman before he can do further damage, and Leach must resign,” Paxton asserted.
Leach did not respond to a request for comment through his attorney.
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