District judge sues Galveston County judge for interfering with reinstatement of administrator

GALVESTON – A local state district judge has pursued legal action against Galveston County Judge Mark Henry, claiming Henry violated orders in relation to the employment of a member of the former’s staff.

Galveston County 56th District Court Judge Lonnie Cox sued Henry in Galveston County 405th District Court on June 9. According to Cox, Henry interfered with the reinstatement of Bonnie Quiroga as the county’s Director of Judicial Administration.

Quiroga served in the position in question from August 2000 to July 24, 2014, when Henry dismissed her. A court battle ensued in which the First Court of Appeals in Houston ultimately sided with Cox, the lawsuit pointed out.

Cox asserts Henry was ordered to facilitate in Quiroga’s return to the job on June 8, but instead engaged in acts detrimental to Quiroga, including but not limited to barring her entry into the Galveston County Justice Center and denying computer access to her office on the center’s fourth floor.

The suit further explains that the Galveston County Commissioners Court was scheduled to meet on June 9 to discuss items pertaining to Cox and Quiroga. Cox says said items were placed on the meeting’s agenda last week in an effort to defy his court’s orders.

Visiting Judge David E. Garner consequently granted Cox a temporary restraining order against Henry.

Attorney Mark W. Stevens of Galveston is representing Cox.

Galveston County 405th District Court Case No. 15-CV-583