Jim Leitner

Friday, October 19, 2012. Jim Leitner’s last day as First Assistant District Attorney at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Jim is board certified in criminal law with three decades of experience as a prosecutor, defense lawyer, and appellate attorney. After serving as a Harris County Assistant District Attorney, Jim served as the First Assistant District Attorney in Bell and Lampasas counties. Additionally, Jim retired as a Commander with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves after 26 years of service. He was activated during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

This is the resume of the man who has led the Harris County District Attorney’s Office over the last four years. What this resume does not say is the fact that Jim Leitner is an honorable, genuine, and good human being and lawyer.

During the demise of Chuck Rosenthal in 2007 – 2008, multiple prosecutors and “leaders” at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office begged Jim to run for District Attorney. “Please run – you are our only chance,” said many of them. After prayer and consideration, Leitner made the decision to seek the office of Harris County District Attorney. Quickly afterwards, the majority of the prosecutors abandoned Leitner’s campaign and placed their support behind their gal, Kelly Siegler. After Pat Lykos defeated Siegler, the prosecutors began begging Leitner to serve as First Assistant in a Lykos administration because they saw that as their “only way.”

Again, after prayer and consideration, Leitner abandoned a very successful criminal defense practice and took the position of First Assistant. Within days, the same prosecutors who begged him to run for District Attorney and serve as First Assistant turned on him. Of course, the leader of that group was Louis Murat “Murray” Newman IV, an individual who was twice fired from the office. After Lykos was elected, Leitner told Newman and approximately fifteen other staff members that they would not be retained in a Lykos administration. Newman responded by posting this [as posted – no grammatical corrections made]:

On the 12 Days of Christmas, Pat Lykos gave to the Harris County Assistant DAs:

12 jurors chosen witout a preemptive strike used by the state;

11 free “crooked cop passes” from Mr. Police Integrity himself……Clint Greenwood;

10 internal memos re: unprofessionalism of reading toxic, antiregime blogs at work;

9 new ashtrays for the 6th floor smoking lounge;

8 days of Lykos Hell every single week;

7 insulted yarmulka-wearing witnesses;

6 emails from my family wanting an explanation for why I won’t be visiting as planned for New Years;

5 new pantsuits;

4 free tickets for a reception on January 1, 2009 that I’m forced to attend;

3 washed out judges;

2 Leitner balls; and

A little troll from a spider hole….

Following this post, Ken Magidson, the interim District Attorney, fired Newman. So, from that moment forward, Newman began posting grotesque untruths about Lykos, Leitner, and anyone perceived to be affiliated with the Lykos administration. This included multiple posts about Leitner’s genitals and even cruel posts about his wonderful wife and family.

It is now clear that, from the beginning, the same prosecutors who begged Leitner to run and serve as First Assistant worked against him and every “friend” of the Lykos administration. Even individuals working as “leaders” within the office have steadily worked against Leitner simply to prove the point that they run the courthouse. Within minutes of a meeting inside the office, the certain specific details would be published on Newman’s blog. This occurred time and time again – even with sensitive data.

At this point, a reader with no link to the courthouse may think that this is simply a “he said, she said” and choose to not “take sides.” Let me offer this piece of evidence that, I believe, will make you change your mind.

On Sunday, July 26, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., someone from inside of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office accessed Leitner’s computer and served him with a warning.

So, someone who is tasked with providing justice to our community accessed Leitner’s computer and told him that the “war” over the courthouse was not over. If this sounds too ridiculous to be true, I agree with you that it is ridiculous; but, unfortunately, this political war over the courthouse is real. Now, maybe you can understand that the use of the 185th Grand Jury as a political weapon was true as well.

It is important to me that the public has access to the truth about Leitner and the other honest leaders within the Lykos administration. Newman and many bad actors within the office have worked to bring dishonor based upon lies to many good people and, unfortunately, Jim is just one example.

The people of Harris County lose with his exit from the office. The people who have systematically spread lies and undermined his leadership, including Mike Anderson and Murray Newman, owe Harris County citizens and Jim Leitner an apology. Certain members of the media, including Ted Oberg, owe Jim Leitner and our citizens an apology for serving as surrogates of these individuals.

I wish Jim the very best.

(Updated) Murray Newman,Special Prosecutors, and Motion for new trial! (Updated)

185th Blogger and Anderson supporter

After all of Murray Newman’s misdeeds, Newman now dares to accuse the DA’s office of misconduct in the appointment of a special prosecutor following the revelation of evidence pointing to a defendant’s innocence. Secret grand jury information out of the 185th regularly appeared on his blog, you would have thought he was on the grand jury.

In all of Murray’s diatribes, he failed to mentioned the cozy relationship between Trisha Pollard, the grand juryforeman of the 185th, to Mike Anderson and his wife Devon Anderson. Murray never mentioned Stephen St. Martin’s large financial contribution to Kelly Siegler’s campaign. Judge Susan Brown’s payment of $3,000 to Devon Anderson. Stephen St. Martin and Jim Mount’s roles in the 185th grand jury will go down as one of the most disgusting occurrences in Harris County history. The 185th Grand Jury was nothing more than a photo op for the Mike Anderson campaign and the results of this grand jury speak for themselves.

The filing states that Kelly, in the least, failed to provide the defense with exculpatory evidence.The more important question is for Murray’s clients: Does your lawyer believe in prosecutors withholding exculpatory evidence? Judges you may want to think this through before appointing this fool.

(Updated)

Kelly and Paul playing make believe

So now we have all the players on the field and it seems the witness has representation, Paul Doyle. You may remember Paul Doyle as the straddlee from the first Susan Wright trial. Riley Joe Sanders has a lawyer too, Chip Lewis. Now, how is it that the witness and the stoned neighbor end up with these fine lawyers? Did Riley Joe have a lawyer at the trial? Did the witness see the People magazine article about Paul and Kelly, figure out that Paul is now a defense lawyer, and give him a call?Did Riley see Chip on Kelly’s campaign finance report and think to give him a call? I do agree with Paul on one thing, something certainly stinks and it isn’t Dick DeGuerin.  Stay tuned…………………………..

Democrats who endorsed Republicans

Birnberg Complaint

Oliver “publically endorsed Pat Lykos, a non-Democratic candidate seeking the office of District Attorney of Harris County in an election in which a democrat is seeking the same office.” Oliver specifically stated that Pat Lykos “would have gotten my vote.” On June 18, 2012, Oliver said that he “would have voted for her.”

Texas Democratic Party Rules per Birnberg

Prohibit party officers from publically endorsing candidates of an opposing party in an election in which a Democratic candidate is seeking the office in question and require that such a party officer be removed.

Rodney Ellis on Pat Lykos – July 29, 2010

“I also want to commend District Attorney Pat Lykos and Mr. Green’s attorney, Bob Wicoff, for working together to correct this injustice. Two exonerations in the past two weeks speaks volumes about what is wrong with our criminal justice system. Fortunately, it also demonstrates that the Post Conviction Review Section of the Harris County District Attorney’s office, created by D.A. Lykos, is doing something right.”

http://www.ellis.senate.state.tx.us/pr10/p072910a.htm

Rodney Ellis on Ed Emmett and Harris County Commissioners – September 29, 2009

I want to commend Judge Emmett and the commissioners for unanimously voting to do the right thing for Harris County. Until today, Harris County was the only urban area of its size without a public defender office. Today, we can say that we’re taking a significant step towards following best practice models that are both economical and smart on crime,” said Senator Ellis. “I look forward to working closely with the Council to implement a plan that is efficient and ensures that indigent defendants are receiving quality representation.” Ellis began urging for the creation of the office in early 2008.

http://www.ellis.senate.state.tx.us/pr09/p092909a.htm

Rodney Ellis on Wallace Jefferson – February 23, 2011

“Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson is a credit to the state of Texas. He has lent his voice and the power of his office to achieving a stronger, more equitable Texas justice system for all. He has long been a powerful advocate of civil, criminal justice and indigent defense reforms.

“I commend him for focusing so much of his speech on not only the need for change, but specific, tangible and achievable reforms on access, judicial selection and compensation for those wrongfully convicted.”

http://www.ellis.senate.state.tx.us/pr11/p022311a.htm

Rodney Ellis on Bill Ratliff – August 10, 2001

“I am delighted today by my good friend, Bill Ratliff’s decision to return to the Texas Senate and run for re- election. He is a true hero of the Senate and the people of Texas will benefit greatly from his continued service. I’m sure the people of Senate District 1 already know what an asset Bill Ratliff is to them.

“Bill Ratliff is a good man who has done great things for Texas. He is a dedicated public servant who has always put policy — and the needs of Texas — above partisan politics. Bill Ratliff deserves much credit for the accomplishments of the 77th Legislature.

“In this era of growing partisanship, Bill Ratliff has always put the needs of people above party. I believe Texans appreciate his dedication and his ability to work together to get things done. I look forward to another term of fine service from one of Texas’ greatest leaders.”

http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/Members/Dist13/pr01/p081001a.htm

Rick Perry, Democrat, Endorsed George H.W. Bush for President – 1988

In 1988, Rick Perry, a Texas state representative and former 1988 co-chair for Al Gore’s 1988 Texas campaign, endorsed George H. W. Bush for president. He became a Republican the next year and later became governor.

Bob Bullock, Democrat, Endorsed George W. Bush for President – 1998

In 1998, Bob Bullock, Lieutenant Governor of Texas, endorsed the reelection of George W. Bush as Governor of Texas.

Ralph Hall, Democrat, Endorsed George W. Bush for President – 2000

In 2000, Ralph Hall, a former Democratic Party U.S. Representative from Texas, endorsed George W. Bush for election as president.

Just a few…….

I didn’t know Birnberg practiced law with Andersen?

 

Congratulations, Gerry Birnberg political genius! (Update) Hearing reset for the 28th, tomorrow Flr 11 Federal Ct. Lee Rosenthal

One of the great problems with political campaigns is the cost issue.  It takes a lot of money to purchase media time and Gerry Birnberg just gave Lloyd Wayne Oliver about a million dollars in free media from multiple sources.  A candidate is rarely afforded such an opportunity.  The democrats provided the additional bonus of excluding Oliver because he paid Judge Lykos a compliment after the primary election.

Lane Lewis and Gerry Birnberg obviously did not check in with Annise Parker on the concept of overturning elections.  Recently, Parker attempted to disenfranchise voters by overturning the red light camera election.  Thankfully, the Kubosh family, our local heroes, educated the public on Parker’s misdeeds. Now, they are working on overturning the feeding ordinance, which prevents good people from providing meals to the homeless.

Votes are sacred; so, overturning an election guarantees positive press coverage for the victim. In this case, the victim is Lloyd Wayne Oliver.  In May, over 31,000 Harris County residents cast votes for Oliver.  Now, Oliver gets to appear on every news station in town and this cycle will be repeated until Election Day.  The media has already jumped on the complaint for its complete lack of merit. And, now we have a hearing scheduled for 3pm Tuesday 11th Flr, Federal Ct House, Lee Rosenthal.

This disenfranchisement paints Oliver as the underdog in the upcoming election. And this occurrence simply opens the door to the questionable tactics of the Anderson campaign and the 185th Grand Jury.  The democrats thought Lloyd was the drag on their ticket but, wait until the Republicans have to carry Mike Anderson. I can’t wait to hear Chad Dunn’s arguments concerning Lloyd’s nice words for Judge Lykos. The really funny thing is I have watched for years as Dunn has criticized and sued one Republican after another for his allegations of voter disenfranchisement. Yes that Chad Dunn who sued the tax office for removing dead people and felons from the voter roles. Mr. Dunn is about to get a real lesson in disenfranchisement.

On another note, Kevin Fine, Murray’s mentor, has announced his retirement from the District Court bench.  Murray received many appointments from Judge Fine and has promised to write about this retirement.  Expect a story about addiction and, using Mike Anderson’s terminology, “subhumans.”

 

 

 

Legal Fees

Defending yourself from political corruption can be expensive. It is entirely dependent on the nature and motivation of your adversary.

We now know that some very desperate people were willing to create a completely bogus grand jury “investigation” to unseat Judge Lykos and get their guy-of-the-moment, Mike Anderson, elected. Naturally, an evil plot produces victims and Steve Morris was certainly a victim.

It is outrageous that a public servant does not have legal protection from this sort of illegal activity. For some reason, prosecutors are not protected from legal expenses incurred while performing job duties.

Steve Morris absolutely has the right to recover his legal expenses from the unethical activities surrounding the 185th grand jury. The contempt allegation was completely false. The sole purpose of that grand jury was to provide photo ops for the Anderson campaign. This is similar to the single purpose of Ted Oberg’s reporting: to provide clips for Anderson’s commercials.

As the supervisors over the grand jury division, Steve Morris and Carl Hobbs were on the front line of the battle against grand jury corruption. There was never any truth to the allegation that Carl Hobbs or Steve Morris did anything wrong. Susan Brown knew this too and recused herself to save the embarrassment of Randy Schaeffer revealing the bogus show cause motion and contempt filing. The fact that Brown recused herself and a special prosecutor was appointed gave Murray and the morons another opportunity to fuss about a special prosecutor. God bless Steve Morris and all of the victims of the 185th smear job.

For some unknown reason, Chip “Taliban” Lewis appeared before Commissioners Court last week to protest reimbursement to Morris. Lewis claimed that “Mike Anderson’s money” should never be given to Morris because the contempt was dismissed and that certainly did not mean innocent. Lewis clients on the go forward your guilty unless a jury says your innocent. That is an awfully big opinion from someone who is not registered to vote in Harris County. As a non-voter, maybe Lewis does not understand that a general election will be held in November.

Of course, only one local news channel covered the request for reimbursement. Can you guess which one? I will give you a hint and you can guess the number 1-13 and 1-12 don’t count.

The “folks” who orchestrated the illegal grand jury investigation, along with Oberg, should pay the legal fees incurred by all of the victims.

Mike Anderson PR consultant