Two Rains County Judges Set to Plead Guilty in Widespread Misconduct Case

Rains County, TX — A major shake-up is unfolding in East Texas as two high-ranking Rains County judicial officials prepare to plead guilty to serious misconduct charges stemming from an ongoing corruption investigation.

Sources have confirmed that Justice of the Peace Robert Jenkins Franklin and former County Judge Linda Wallace will appear in court this Friday at 3:00 PM at the Rains County Courthouse to enter official guilty pleas.

The case has gained statewide attention after Franklin was indicted on a series of felony and misdemeanor charges, including witness tampering and official oppression. Among the most alarming allegations: Franklin allegedly told a defendant, “dead men can’t testify” to intimidate them into accepting a plea deal. He is also accused of attempting to force a clerk into signing a false affidavit.

Wallace, who resigned from her position in June 2025, faces a felony charge of witness tampering for her role in allegedly trying to block the same clerk from cooperating in the investigation against Franklin.

Earlier this year, both judges were suspended from their duties by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct pending the outcome of the investigation.

If both officials plead guilty as expected, the case could be one of the most significant judicial corruption scandals in recent East Texas history — and may lead to a flood of appeals or legal reviews of cases they previously presided over.

Hunt County Theft Reports will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.