Texas Watch—Consumer Protection. Corporate Accountability. Citizen Advocacy.

Travis County District Attorney Ronald Earle has confirmed that the Public Integrity Unit is reviewing allegations that Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht violated the Texas Penal Code.

In a brief letter received late yesterday Earle confirms his receipt of the complaint lodged against Hecht by Texas Watch yesterday and says that his office has been looking into Hecht’s acceptance of a so-called “discount” on his legal fees. Texas Watch alleges in the complaint to the Public Integrity Unit that this “discount” is a possible illegal gift in violation of the Texas Penal Code, which prohibits judges from accepting a benefit from parties who are likely to appear before him.

“Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle and the Public Integrity Unit are looking into Justice Hecht’s sweetheart deal,” said Alex Winslow Executive Director of Texas Watch, a citizens group that has monitored and reported on the Texas Supreme Court for over a decade. “If they find that Hecht has violated the law, then he should be held accountable for is actions. Not even the longest serving judge on our state’s highest court should be above the law.”

Texas Watch filed three separate complaints against Hecht with the Public Integrity Unit, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, and the Texas Ethics Commission yesterday.