On April 23, 2024, controversy erupted in the Jeff Davis County Commissioners Court when County Judge Curtis Evans ordered the removal of David Flash, publisher of the Big Bend Times, from the county courthouse. According to statements made by Deputy Jerry Walker and recorded on video, Judge Evans issued the directive, prohibiting Flash from returning to the courthouse under threat of arrest.
Deputy Walker informed Flash that he was not allowed in the courthouse “for the rest of the day,” despite the lack of legal grounds for such an order. Walker aggressively enforced the directive, indicating his readiness to arrest Flash if necessary. He later shouted at Flash, telling him to “get a lawyer and sue” if he had an issue with the unlawful conduct and threats.
The incident occurred shortly after Flash attempted to clarify why he was expelled from the courthouse and expressed his need to continue his work without harassment. This confrontation highlights ongoing issues with accessibility and transparency within the Jeff Davis County Justice of the Peace office.
Earlier that day, Flash encountered locked doors at the Justice of the Peace office during posted business hours. The office, responsible for handling minor legal matters, is listed as open from 9:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Despite knocking and waiting, there was no response, raising significant concerns about public accessibility.
Further complicating the situation, calls to the office are met with a contradictory pre-recorded message discouraging voicemails yet providing an option to leave one. Emails to Judge Mary Ann Luedecke and Justice Court Clerk Barbara Weesner have gone unanswered, with one email address reportedly non-functional.
Flash, who has received questionable legal notices from this office, shared his concerns: “Receiving a warrant notice without prior legal entanglement with Judge Luedecke’s court was deeply troubling. The subsequent explanations offered little reassurance and raised more questions about the operational practices within the office.”
The Big Bend Times remains dedicated to investigating these issues, advocating for improvements to ensure that the Justice of the Peace office remains accessible, responsive, and transparent, thereby maintaining public trust and upholding justice.
