Texas Judge Accused of Threatening Man’s Life to Force Plea Deal

RAINS COUNTY, TX — A disturbing federal civil rights lawsuit has surfaced in Rains County, Texas, alleging that a sitting judge threatened a man’s life in an effort to coerce a felony plea.

Coby Wiebe has filed suit against both Rains County and Justice of the Peace Robert Jenkins Franklin, accusing the judge of threatening him directly over the phone—despite having no legal jurisdiction in the matter. According to the lawsuit, Judge Franklin told Wiebe:

“Dead men can’t testify.”

The explosive allegations are supported by phone records and a verified polygraph test. The fallout was swift—Wiebe’s conviction has since been vacated at the request of the District Attorney. In an unprecedented move, the presiding judge granted judicial clemency, rarely issued in Texas.

Attorney Paul Anderson, representing Wiebe, issued a powerful statement: “When a sitting judge threatens a citizen’s life to secure a plea deal, that’s not merely unethical—it’s criminal coercion in its purest form.”

The lawsuit alleges multiple violations of constitutional rights, including witness tampering, official oppression, and abuse of power. Both the judge and the county are named as defendants.

This case has become a rallying point for advocates of judicial reform and civil liberties, highlighting the need for accountability when public officials misuse their authority.

This is a developing story. Stay with Hunt County Theft Reports for further updates as the case progresses.