Court documents obtained by FOX 7 Austin say the judge felt the officer indictments were “politically motivated.'
Gilford says the Judge added on the phone call that she enjoyed a good relationship with law enforcement in Travis County and "she believed the prosecution of the cases arising out of the Austin George Floyd protests were the consequence of a politically motivated campaign on the part of Jose Garza, the Travis County District Attorney.
"I am recusing myself not because I have a bias or prejudice against the State, but rather to ensure public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. In filing these motions, I think it is important to put my conversation with Mr. Gilford into context. My perception of our discussion somewhat differs from Mr. Gilford’s.
As the judge who impaneled the special grand jury, it was my responsibility to set bail in these cases. The purpose of my call was to discuss the bail to be set in these cases. I had just received a call from the clerk and/or jail indicating that there were 20 uniformed police officers waiting to be booked into jail and they were waiting on me to set bail in each of their cases.
Due to the recent filing by the State, I believe my impartiality will be in question by some in the community. The perception of others is important, especially in cases like these."FOX 7 Austin also reached out to the District Attorney’s Office, a spokesperson for Travis County DA Jose Garza said the office would not be providing any comments at this time.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Family of South Austin homicide victim worried about him before his deathThe 35-year-old ironworker's body was found on East Milton Street, two blocks from South Congress, around 4 a.m. Sunday
Read more »
Chicago shootings: 2 dead in separate Humboldt Park, Austin shootings within 20 minutes, police sayA man was shot and killed in Humboldt Park 20 minutes after a deadly shooting in Austin, the Chicago Police Department said.
Read more »
SWAT situation in South Austin ends with 1 person in custodyNo further details about the incident have been released at this time, but police say the person involved was having a mental health episode.
Read more »
US announces millions in military aid to Ukraine after Blinken, Austin meet with ZelenskyUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told Zelensky that the US would provide over $300 million in military financing.
Read more »
What Kind of Rail Bridge Will Austin Build Across Lady Bird Lake?The Blue Line is one of two light rail lines to be built out as part of Project Connect’s first phase.
Read more »