Stand with David Flash Against Corruption
The Texas Attorney General’s Office has dropped the terroristic threat charge against journalist David Flash, publisher of Big Bend Times and Texas Reporter. However, Flash still faces a harassment charge in what he and his supporters claim is a retaliatory effort by local officials.
The case, now being prosecuted by Geoff Barr of the Texas Attorney General’s Office in Austin, has drawn scrutiny due to its origins. It remains unclear whether the Attorney General’s Office has reviewed the case in detail or is fully aware of the extensive evidence contradicting the charge, including recordings and documentation held by Flash and his legal team. The prosecution appears to have been handed this case by Jeff Davis County officials, who previously conducted at least eight investigations targeting Flash without resulting in any other charges.
The harassment charge stems from an allegation by Jeff Davis County Justice of the Peace Mary Ann Luedecke, who claims Flash made repeated telephone communications with the intent to “harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass” her between November 2, 2023, and April 24, 2024. Flash denies the allegations, calling them baseless and part of a broader pattern of harassment by county officials in response to his reporting.
Both Jeff Davis County Attorney Glen Eisen and County Judge Curtis Evans have recused themselves from the case. The trial will now be overseen by former Bexar County Court at Law No. 7 Judge Eugenia “Genie” Wright. Flash is scheduled for arraignment at 10 a.m. on the harassment charge.
Judge Luedecke’s credibility in this case is highly questionable. She has a documented history of making false reports against Flash, serving as the driving force behind several failed investigations into him. Her actions include sending out erroneous warrant notices and false failure-to-appear notifications, as well as falsely reporting Flash to state authorities in an attempt to have his driver’s license renewal denied. Luedecke also refused to recuse herself from Flash’s unrelated traffic citation case, handling it with what appeared to be marked bias and procedural irregularities. Her actions in that case raised serious concerns about judicial impartiality and competence.
Additionally, Luedecke personally attempted to detain Flash at the courthouse while he was conducting journalistic work, shouting at him in an apparent attempt to intimidate him. This incident, captured on video, further calls into question her fitness for judicial office.
Public records show that Jeff Davis County has spent more than $14,000 in taxpayer funds to block the release of documents related to its investigations into Flash, raising concerns about transparency and the county’s motives. Despite these efforts, no substantive charges were ever brought from these prior investigations.
Flash was initially arrested after a warrant was issued based on Luedecke’s claim, despite her continued involvement in unrelated legal matters concerning him. Flash contends that Luedecke’s refusal to recuse herself from his traffic case contradicts her assertion that she fears for her safety.
Further complicating the situation, Flash reports being stopped multiple times by law enforcement following his arrest. He was placed under a ‘Be on the Lookout’ (BOLO) notice, which led to additional traffic stops and further legal entanglements. Flash maintains that these actions amount to continued harassment.
The handling of Flash’s case has drawn attention from press freedom advocates and watchdog groups, who argue that his arrest and prosecution exemplify misuse of legal mechanisms to target journalists. Flash’s supporters point to the county’s prior unsuccessful investigations and legal expenditures as evidence that authorities are engaged in a vendetta rather than pursuing legitimate criminal charges.
Flash’s legal defense has been partially funded through a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $3,600 toward a $9,000 goal. The campaign, titled “Stand with David Flash Against Corruption,” alleges that the charges against him are part of a broader effort to suppress critical reporting on government misconduct in Jeff Davis County.
With the terroristic threat charge dismissed and only the harassment charge remaining, Flash and his legal team remain steadfast in their defense, arguing that the charge lacks merit and should be thrown out. The case continues to highlight concerns about government transparency, judicial integrity, and press freedom in the region.
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