On Saturday, April 5, 2025, KRIS 6 News reported that Kenedy County Justice of the Peace Jerry William Miller has been suspended without pay following his indictment for felony theft. This decision was made by the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct, which issued an official Order of Suspension on April 3, 2025.
The suspension is a result of a grand jury indictment filed on March 13, 2025, in the 105th Judicial District Court. Miller faces accusations of unlawfully appropriating cattle valued at less than $150,000 from a local rancher, Michael Mendietta, on or around September 20, 2022.
Miller has been charged with a third-degree felony related to cattle theft, a case that was investigated by the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s Law Enforcement Division.
According to procedural rules, judges can be suspended immediately upon felony indictment. However, Miller retains the right to request a hearing within 30 days to contest the suspension, asserting that his continued role would not undermine judicial integrity or public trust.
The indictment alleges that Miller acted in collaboration with another individual, Frank Thomas Shumate, in the theft. If Miller chooses to challenge the suspension, he must submit a written request to the Commission within the designated timeframe. The suspension will remain in place until either the charges are dismissed, he is acquitted, or further action is taken by the Commission.
Local officials, including County Judge Charles Burns and District Attorney John T. Hubert, have been informed of Miller’s suspension.
Source: KRIS 6 News
