Beaumont attorney seeks TRO against Judge Walker’s ‘proverbial hit man’

Beaumont attorney John Morgan is seeking a restraining order against a man hired by District Judge Layne Walker – a special prosecutor accused of being a “proverbial hit man” and allegedly tasked with “destroying the lives” of peopled perceived to be “enemies” of the judge.

Morgan filed the petition for a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction against Shane Phelps on Dec. 23 in Jefferson County District Court.

According to the petition, Judge Walker, backed by the support and cooperation of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, hired Phelps as a special prosecutor using funds out of the Texas Indigent Defense Fund.  Morgan claims that is a state and federal felony, since special prosecutor work does not involve any defense work.

“Phelps is serving as a proverbial ‘hit man’ for Judge Walker and his supporters, trying to indict and destroy the lives of persons that Judge Walker and his supporters perceive to be their enemies,” the petition states.

The petition alleges Judge Walker and his supporters ordered Phelps to target Beaumont police officers who had allegedly discovered an illegal narcotics ring involving the judge; had the special prosecutor retaliate against political commentator Philip Klein for criticizing the judge; and tried to have Morgan indicted for reporting to the DEA and FBI that the District Attorney’s Office is allegedly involved in an illegal narcotics operation.

Judge Walker presided over Morgan’s divorce from his ex-wife. Morgan claims the judge terminated Morgan’s parental rights – an act Morgan alleges was done in order to hide the judge’s ongoing crimes.

In addition to injunctive relief, Morgan is seeking an award of attorney’s fees and court costs in the amount of $50,000.

He is representing himself.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. D195-081