01/11/2026
Election season can make it hard to separate truth from noise, and I debated whether to post anything publicly—especially about someone I know and have worked with. Ultimately, I feel a responsibility to share my perspective based on what I have personally observed over many years in law enforcement.
I’ve worked with the current JP for a long time, including during her time at the Sheriff’s Office and while I served as Constable. When you work with someone that closely and that long, you begin to notice patterns. I also had multiple people who worked in or around that office express concerns to me about how they were treated. Many stayed quiet because they wanted to move on and avoid conflict.
Over time, I also watched professional relationships change in ways that concerned me. In my experience, many in law enforcement stopped going to that court for warrants, the school district reduced or stopped seeking services there, and DPS Troopers moved out of that office. I can’t speak for every agency’s internal reasons, but the overall pattern raised red flags for me.
On top of that, I personally observed behavior and decision-making that, in my opinion, raised serious questions about fairness and due process. I saw instances where defendants appeared to have access or conversations prior to proper hearings or communication through attorneys, and decisions seemed to be formed outside the normal process. There were also times during deliberations where she asked me and clerks for input on how to rule, which I had never experienced with other judges in my 27 years in the field.
I also witnessed moments that made me concerned about bias. In court, I observed situations—along with others present—where it appeared that facts were weighed differently based on opinions formed about someone’s background. That was one of the most troubling parts for me, because when you’re on the other side of it, there often isn’t much you can do.
A specific moment that stayed with me was seeing one of the lowest bonds I have ever seen for someone accused of trying to kill local officers. That’s when I knew, in my mind, something was seriously off.
Outside the courtroom, I also had concerns about relationships and information-sharing. I became aware of individuals with criminal histories who appeared to be involved in social media activity tied to court-related matters, and I saw things that made me worry about whether official information was being handled appropriately. During my own trial, she chose not to stand with me, and she took down photos connected to that process that still have not been restored. All of it, taken together, contributed to my concerns about professionalism and accountability.
I’m not posting this to be ugly, and I’m not asking anyone to take my word for it. Please do your own homework. Talk to people you trust who have direct experience in that court—officers, attorneys, and community members who have been there as defendants or plaintiffs. Ask questions. Listen. Decide based on what you learn.
I truly wish her the best as a person. Someone can be “sweet” and still fall short in a position of authority. But a judge must be consistent, unbiased, and fair—because that role impacts real lives. I believe our community should expect more, and I encourage everyone to educate themselves as thoroughly as possible before voting.
I have only known Dusty Cook to be fair and compassionate. I have worked with him for many years and have never seen anything other than solid Christian based decisions. He gathers facts and makes decisions. He has a family that he loves and supports. He is my choice. Maybe this Will encourage others to speak up as well.
