AUSTIN – The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has issued a public admonition and order of additional education for Brown County Judge Paul Lilly.
Records show the complaint against Lilly was brought by Joe Cooksey, who alleged Lilly improperly revoked defendant Adam Carter’s misdemeanor probation without a hearing, upon filing of a motion to revoke based on his arrest in Runnels County on a separate felony charge.
The effect of the judge’s “no bail” order was that Carter was then held in the Runnels County jail, according to the commission.
Cooksey stated Judge Lilly called Carter in jail after counsel was appointed to represent him and offered to make a deal before bringing him to court.
In response to the commission’s letter of inquiry, Judge Lilly acknowledged his mistake in making notes on the order related to the motion to revoke probation. The judge also admitted to calling Carter and speaking to him while he was in jail in another county.
Cooksey has a running history with Brown County officials. A decade ago, a jury convicted him for disclosing an agenda or tape recording of a meeting that was closed to the public.