On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended Robert Jenkins Franklin, Justice of the Peace for Rains County, without pay. This decision follows the issuance of an indictment by the Grand Jury of the 8th Judicial District Court on May 27, 2025.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Robert Jenkins Franklin,” with case number 25-0929.
Franklin faces serious allegations, including two counts of Tampering with a Witness, classified as Third-Degree Felonies, and two counts of Official Oppression, which are Class A Misdemeanors.
The Commission’s order states that the suspension will remain in effect until one of several conditions is met: the charges are dismissed, Franklin is acquitted, or the Commission issues further orders. The authority for this suspension is derived from Article V, Section 1-a(6)A of the Texas Constitution and Rule 15(a) of the Texas Procedural Rules for the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
The order emphasizes that the Commission retains the right to revisit this suspension if new information arises that necessitates such action. The formal announcement was made by the Chair of the Commission, Honorable Gary Steel.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
