FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF) – Judge Russ Casey, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 for Tarrant County pleaded guilty Monday to Tampering with a Government Record, a state jail felony.
As part of his agreement with the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Sharen Wilson’s Office, Casey immediately resigned his position as Justice of the Peace. Casey was sentenced to 2 years of state jail, probated over 5 years. In addition to resigning from the bench, he is prohibited from being on the premises of the Southlake Government Complex and Tarrant County Northeast Courthouse, where he previously held offices.
“No one is above the law in Tarrant County,” said Criminal District Attorney Sharen Wilson.
The charge resulted from Casey’s submission of his Petition for Judicial Office. Judges are required by Texas law to file a petition with voters’ signatures to be placed on the ballot. The petition is filed with the respective political party. Casey filed this petition on December 11, 2017, for re-election to the Justice of the Peace seat to which he was first elected in 2007. A joint investigation by the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office determined many of the 318 citizens’ signatures on the required petition Casey submitted were not given by the actual citizens. This form was signed and sworn to by Casey with his pledge that all signatures were witnessed personally by him.
“The citizens of Tarrant County place a great deal of trust in their elected officials. When an elected official abuses that trust, there must be consequences,” said prosecutor Matt Smid.
The vacancy caused by Casey’s resignation will be filled by the Tarrant County Commissioners at their next meeting on May 1. In the interim, County Judge Glen Whitley will name a former Justice of the Peace to sit in the vacant position.
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