Smith County Judge Under Fire

TYLER — There’s continuing controversy after Smith County Judge Joel Baker announced his resignation from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct citing personal and family reasons. Now, according to KETK, there are media reports of Baker’s alleged lewd behavior. Calls to Baker and the State Commission on Judicial conduct have not been returned, but Grassroots America – We the People is calling for the resignation of the judge. Grassroots America director JoAnn Fleming released a statement that says, in part, “The Board of Directors of Grassroots America calls on Joel Baker to immediately resign the office of Smith County Judge. Abusing his elective office in such a vulgar manner breaks his oath of office, severs the public trust, and makes a mockery of his role of county judge.” Also, it was learned Tuesday that the State Commission on Judicial Conduct will be conducting an investigation into Baker’s alleged conduct.

In a letter made available to media, Baker does mention allegedly “frivolous investigations” of a controversial ATS camera contract that made news last year — and the judge suggests Grassroots America may somehow be tied to those probes. In an open commissioners’ court session Tuesday morning, a number of attendees echoed the call for Baker’s resignation. In one exchange, a woman brought up allegations from Baker’s past, including accusations of voyeurism.