Texas Judge Resigns Over Texting Prosecutors, Now Running for District Attorney
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Elizabeth Coker had to resign from her seat as a judge in Polk County this October following the launch of an investigation into text messages she sent during trials to prosecutors. Her resignation became effective on December 6. And without losing a stride, she began her campaign on December 8 to run for the office of the District Attorney, Polk County, Texas.
She announced her new plans in a Facebook post this month. "I am running for Polk County Criminal District Attorney," she announced, observing, "The support and encouragement I am receiving has been overwhelming and humbling. I want to thank all my family, friends and supporters who still want me as a public servant."
Coker had resigned just ahead of a State Commission on Judicial Conduct investigation into the texting matter, and over other improper ex parte communications with prosecutors in the Polk County District Attorney's Office. The investigation also included her communications with the San Jacinto County District Attorney and with certain defense attorneys connected with cases pending in her court.
Coker made her plans public also on PolkCountyToday.com and commented that she had "seen firsthand the need for improvement in the District Attorney's office: A better working relationship with all the law enforcement agencies and better communication with witnesses and victims."
She talked of taking a proactive approach to "managing the office while being mindful of taxpayers' money." The Commission on Judicial Conduct investigation has found that she had "discussed the Commission's investigation and [her] written responses to the investigation with a material witness in an attempt to influence that witness."
The Commission also noted that she had "allegedly exhibited bias in favor of a certain attorney and a prejudice against others in both her judicial rulings and her court appointments."
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