The "Polk" County TX Candidate Calling the "Kettle" Black

In the political fiasco of Texas Judicial District 411 Republican Primary race in the three-county districts of Polk, San Jacinto and Trinity, Candidate John Wells filed a Judicial Complaint against his opponent, sitting Judge Kaycee Jones.

Knowing that these investigations can take many months to resolve, Mr. Wells has forgotten the basic tenant of law, “Innocent until proven guilty.” By filing the complaint in a contested political environment, he silenced his opponent as it would be a violation of the Judicial Canons for Judge Jones to respond publicly. Yet, it could be argued that Mr. Wells also violated the Judicial Canon by making a public statement to the news media as a way to bias voters in his favor.

It makes one ponder how such a travesty of justice could occur when Wells failed to protect his client by requesting a recusal from Judge Travis Kitchens yet made his case of the complaint filed against Jones to the media networks. Judge Travis Kitchens recused himself from the case after Mr. Wells failed to do so. In other words, Wells felt a compelling need to file a complaint and share it with the public but didn’t feel compelled enough to protect his client.

There’s yet another side to this story that remains untold.

Wells also has a Texas State Bar grievance that is active against him at this time. The grievance was filed after the discovery in the Wells vs. Von Schmidt case makes it public record. On page 41 of the discovery, Wells and Polk County Criminal District Attorney had a text message exchange in which they discussed seeking criminal charges against Wells former opponents, Shelly Sitton and current Judge Travis Kitchens. Mrs. Sitton had lost her bid in the 2018 258th race leaving Wells and Kitchens to battle it out in a Republican Primary run-off. Mr. Wells and Mr. Lee Hon were willing to seek criminal charges against both in order to assist Mr. Wells failed campaign.

The Wells vs. Von Schmidt case is another incident Wells has failed to inform the public of. Following the loss of his campaign in 2018, Wells filed a lawsuit against Charles Von Schmidt for placing a political ad against him in the run-off. The case is currently being appealed. Regardless, this case is one to watch. Wells attempt to silence a detractor has over-reaching ramifications for the 1stamendment rights of all private citizens.

Dirty tactics have always been used in politics, but what we see here with Mr. Wells and his political cronies is a willingness to abuse the power of their offices, silence free speech and have a blatant disregard for truth and justice.