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Commissioners approve outside counsel for defense in Anthony Johnson Sr. suit; family and community protest
Summary
The court voted 3–2 to authorize an attorney employment agreement with the law office of Mark Goldstucker to represent a former Tarrant County employee, Jaquavia Simmons, in litigation tied to the death of Anthony Johnson Jr. Family members and community groups urged the court not to use taxpayer funds for that defense.
Tarrant County Commissioners Court on April 2 approved an employment agreement with the law office of Mark Goldstucker to provide defense counsel for former Tarrant County employee Jaquavia Simmons in litigation brought by the family of Anthony Johnson Jr.
The court approved the item (agenda item F‑1) by a 3–2 vote after a public comment period marked by emotional testimony from family members and community advocates who objected to using county funds for the defense.
Speakers opposing the contract described the continuing pain of families who lost loved ones in county custody and said taxpayer money should not fund the defense of employees who have been fired or criminally charged.…
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