Embattled Harris Co. judge suspended after allegations of drug abuse
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- An embattled Harris County judge is off the bench following misconduct accusations including drug abuse and solicitation of sex.
By order of the Texas Supreme Court, Judge Hilary H. Green has been suspended without pay. The suspension is effective immediately. The State Commission on Judicial Conduct initiated the formal proceedings against Green based on years of complaints.
"We're a little surprised that the Supreme Court issued a three-paragraph order when the judge had raised serious and substantial constitutional issues," Green's attorney, Chip Babcock, said in a statement. "We're disappointed in the court's ruling and we're still studying our options."
The startling allegations leveled earlier this year by a former lover in court documents say Green abused prescription painkillers, used hard drugs like Ecstasy and cocaine, and utilized her bailiff to buy illegal substances.
Bacbcock said the allegations are simply not true. Babcock said they stem from a bitter divorce and jilted lover.
He said Green is a faithful public servant and will fight to stay in office.
"She's going to be fighting it. She's been doing a terrific job as a Justice of the Peace Precinct 7. She was reelected last November overwhelmingly," said Babcock. "The allegations that are in this complaint about her as to sex, drugs, and even the rock and roll are false and not true."
Judge Green is the 98th judge ever in state history to face such action. It will take a trial to permanently remove her from office.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Judge could be removed from office over allegations of drug abuse
