A sitting judge publicly endorsed a smear site targeting a local journalist — while he’s still awaiting trial in a case her office is entangled in.
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Justice of the Peace Mary Ann Luedecke has publicly endorsed an anonymous smear site targeting Big Bend Times publisher David Flash, just days after Flash was tackled and cited while covering a public meeting in Fort Davis.
In a comment posted on Facebook on June 30 under her official account, Luedecke responded favorably to a link shared by local resident Christi Pearson promoting “BigBendTimes.org,” a website that falsely claims to be a parody of Flash’s reporting but contains personal attacks, misinformation, and content exploiting the death of Flash’s younger brother.
“There’s another side to allll those stories,” Luedecke wrote, describing the anonymous smear content as “some good stuff” and “well rounded stories.”
The site is not marked as satire and contains no author or ownership disclosures. It uses Flash’s likeness and personal family photos, reportedly obtained without consent, and includes references to active criminal allegations and false narratives being disputed in court. Flash has denied all wrongdoing and says the content amounts to coordinated character assassination by Jeff Davis County officials.
“This post confirms what we’ve suspected all along,” said one supporter of Flash. “Local officials aren’t just turning a blind eye to the harassment campaign—they’re actively promoting it.”
The Facebook comment came in response to coverage of Flash’s recent detainment at a public budget meeting, where Sheriff’s deputies wrestled and handcuffed the journalist. The incident was captured on video and has since garnered statewide media attention.
Luedecke has previously been the subject of investigative reporting by Big Bend Times, and she has refused to recuse herself from proceedings involving Flash despite active complaints, bond restrictions, and public criticism of her conduct.
Flash’s supporters have raised more than $24,000 from over 740 donors to support his legal fight, with many pointing to mounting evidence of retaliation by county officials. A new report from The Big Bend Sentinel confirms that County Judge Curtis Evans has suggested additional charges may still be filed, telling the paper:
“Other charges are pending… There’s a two-year statute of limitations on disrupting a public meeting.”
Flash is currently preparing for trial in a venue outside the county due to conflict-of-interest recusals. He has vowed to continue covering the conduct of public officials in West Texas, despite increasing threats and attacks.
A screenshot of Luedecke’s comment is archived at BigBendTimes.com. The smear site she endorsed is currently live at bigbendtimes.org, though its operators remain anonymous.
