Texas racism
Resignation accepted for JP taped using racial slur
By The Associated Press
(3/03/04 - PEARLAND, TX) — A state commission said Wednesday it has officially accepted the resignation of a Brazoria County justice of the peace who was videotaped using racial slurs and profanity while arraigning inmates.
Under an agreement, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct decided to no longer pursue disciplinary action against Matt Zepeda in exchange for his resignation and a promise that he never again serve as a judge in the state.
Under the agreement, Zepeda doesn't admit guilt, fault or liability regarding the accusations against him.
The commission had been investigating Zepeda since a videotape surfaced in October 2002 showing the judge cursing one inmate and using a racial slur toward another at the Pearland jail.
Last month after reviewing the case, the commission voted to have the Texas Supreme Court appoint a review tribunal to remove Zepeda from office and issue an order prohibiting him from holding any judicial office in the future.
Zepeda had been suspended without pay since December 2002.
A month before, about 50 protesters, including some representing the New Black Panther Party, rallied outside Zepeda's Pearland home to demand his resignation. Some residents sided with Zepeda, maintaining he was a "good guy" who made a mistake.
Zepeda, who had been in office since January 1999, was re-elected in November 2002 after running unopposed.
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
