Newly obtained emails are intensifying scrutiny surrounding Harris County Civil Court Judge Nathan Milliron, adding to existing concerns about his courtroom conduct and ethics.

Judge Milliron's Demanding Emails

The emails, sent last year to District Clerk Marilyn Burgess, demonstrate Judge Milliron’s apparent frustration with the District Clerk’s office. In one instance, he wrote, “THIS IS NO LONGER AN ASK. GET ME A CLERK THAT RESPONDS TO ME and does the job!”

Milliron asserted his authority in the emails, reminding Burgess that he is a “duly elected judge” and deserves the same respect as other judges in the courthouse. He also told a District Clerk employee that, as a district judge, she was his subordinate.

Ethics Commission Findings & Attorney Dispute

Records from the Texas Ethics Commission show Judge Milliron is delinquent on two required filings: a campaign finance report and a personal financial disclosure report. He faces a combined $1500 in civil penalties as a result.

The controversy extends to an exchange with criminal defense attorney James Stafford. Following an email from Stafford, Milliron told him he “probably shouldn’t be communicating with the judge ex parte on his judicial email address” and ordered him to appear in court on April 9.

Defense Attorney Claims First Amendment Violation

Stafford maintained his communication was not ex parte, stating he had no cases before the court. Brent Mayr, president of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, described the judge’s behavior as “appalling.”

Mayr expressed concern that criticizing the judge could lead to being summoned to court, potentially violating First Amendment rights. He questioned whether anyone criticizing the judge would face similar repercussions.

Ongoing Investigations

The Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct has received complaints against Judge Milliron, but the agency stated that this information is confidential. The judge is already facing scrutiny following viral videos showing questionable interactions with an IT worker and an attorney.