Opposing Views – by Sarah Fruchtnicht
A Texas district judge was arrested on Saturday for allegedly dragging his girlfriend by her hair, choking her, leaning her over a balcony, and threatening to kill her.
The attorney for State District Judge Carlos Raul Cortez says he’s not guilty.
“The allegations made by the complainant are false,” said attorney Andy Korn. “If necessary, it will be shown in the proper forum that Judge Cortez actually saved her life.”
Dallas police responded to a disturbance call at 2:09 a.m. Saturday at a condominium where Cortez, who is currently seeking reelection, was arrested.
A 26-year-old woman at the scene, who identified herself as Cortez’s girlfriend, told police the fight started as an argument over medication belonging to a juvenile who lives in their home.
She said the argument later became physical. The juvenile was reportedly a witness to the incident.
“[The woman] … pulled down the portion of her blouse which covered her neck and showed several red marks,” the police report states. “The red marks were clearly visible and appeared to encompass the majority of her neck.”
The woman claims Cortez, 44, choked her several times and then dragged her by the hair to a balcony. She says he leaned her against the railing and choked her again for about 15 seconds.
WFAA reported Cortez faced charges of assault, family violence, and strangulation, but his attorney said Sunday that he was not charged with a crime.
“Judge Cortez has not been indicted or charged with any offense,” Korn said in a statement Sunday morning.
Cortez was released on a $15,000 bond on Sunday, according to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department.
His attorney says Cortez is not going to resign.
“Judge Cortez will continue to serve the state of Texas and Dallas County like he has for the last seven years – as an award winning jurist who handles his court with courtesy and dignity to all who seek Justice,” Korn said.
Sources: WFAA.com, Dallas Morning News