'Very serious allegations': Hays County district clerk could be suspended

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — People filled a Hays County courtroom Tuesday afternoon to watch a hearing on whether Hays County District Clerk Avrey Anderson — who was elected almost two years ago at the age of 19 – was to be suspended from office without pay. until a possible jury trial in October over his impeachment.

After listening to nearly three hours of testimony, visiting Travis County Judge Amy Clark Meachum said she would need more time to review case law before making a decision. She said she would announce a decision by mid-July.

“I heard some very serious allegations today and I want to get back to the case law,” Meachum said. “Removing an elected official from office, when the voters elected them, is something no one should do lightly. »

This hearing precedes a trial on Anderson's permanent impeachment, which, without further delay, will take place at the end of October.

In late 2023, Austin attorney Chloe Love filed a motion to remove Anderson from office, stating, among other things, that he failed to issue jury summons and subpoenas, that he had failed to send temporary protection orders to the appropriate departments and had consistently failed. timely file indictments before the grand jury.

On Tuesday, the state brought witnesses to argue that Anderson is incompetent and should be suspended immediately.

“(His work) has disrupted the administration of justice in this county,” said Gregg Cox, Hays County's first assistant district attorney.

“We have had some lost judgments. We've had rejections that were lost, denial forms that were lost, subpoenas that were lost (and) subpoenas that weren't processed and therefore can't be served,” Cox told the court.

“We have had many cases that have gone to trial. The errors are corrected, and then we cannot go to trial because the indictments are not processed and served on the accused,” he continued.

Deputy District Clerk Max Hernandez, who has worked in the office for five years, testified that he and his colleagues often fear Anderson's “erratic” behavior, making it difficult to perform their duties.

“In short, I would say he is unstable, distracting and, at times, aggressive,” Herandez said.

Hernández also detailed several disturbing conversations with Anderson, during which he made violent comments toward colleagues and elected officials.

“He told me he wanted to tie up one of our employees, slit her throat and watch her bleed,” Hernandez testified.

“He often makes comments about (Hays County Prosecutor) Kelly Higgins,” Hernandez added. “He once said he was hoping to get hit by a truck. »

Anderson did not approve of the language Hernandez used to describe what Anderson would do to one of his employees, but suggested he knew when it would happen.

“I was very frustrated at that moment – ​​if that’s the moment I remember well,” Anderson said.

Anderson said he remembered comments he made about Higgins. He said he regretted them.

Anderson's legal advisor, Joanna Salinas, acknowledged that Anderson made mistakes but worked hard to correct them.

“The mistakes that had been made have been corrected. He continues to deal with it, he wants to continue to deal with it, and he’s willing to continue to deal with it,” Salinas said.