Midland County Judge Terry Johnson faces a federal civil rights lawsuit and a separate effort to remove him from office after allegedly posting a political critic’s sensitive personal information on Facebook. The lawsuit claims the information was shared less than 24 hours after Christino Rodriquez, who uses the name “Nino America” online, published federal court records involving Midland County. The allegations have not been proven in court.
| 1) | Federal lawsuit alleges retaliation |
| 2) | Sensitive information allegedly remained visible |
| 3) | Removal petition moves through Texas procedure |
| 4) | Investigation and public pressure continue |
| 5) | Judge’s political future is already limited |
Federal lawsuit alleges retaliation
The 26-page federal complaint was filed by Christino Rodriquez against Terry Johnson, the elected county judge in Midland County, Texas. Rodriquez alleges that Johnson retaliated against him because of his criticism of local government and publication of federal court records. The complaint says Johnson posted a 2015 arrest warrant on a personal Facebook page with the caption, “Convicted felon trying to be a player.”
The charges associated with the warrant were later dismissed, and Rodriquez was not convicted in that case. His attorney, James “Trey” Trainor, described the dispute as involving alleged retaliation, abuse of official power and First Amendment concerns. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, lifetime identity-theft protection and credit monitoring, but does not specify a dollar amount.
Sensitive information allegedly remained visible
The lawsuit alleges that the posted warrant displayed Rodriquez’s Social Security number, driver’s license number and date of birth. It claims his home address and telephone number were obscured while the other identifying information remained visible. The complaint argues that the selective redactions support its allegation that the disclosure was intentional.
Trainor said the information may have been obtained through Johnson’s official access or through county personnel acting at his request or direction. He said Rodriquez and his wife are concerned about identity theft and do not know how many people may have saved or shared images of the post. Discussions had begun with the Social Security Administration about whether Rodriquez’s Social Security number could be changed.
Removal petition moves through Texas procedure
A separate effort to remove Johnson began on Aug. 6, when Midland County District Attorney Glenn Harwood filed a petition under the Texas process for removing a county-level elected official. Harwood said the petition must pass through several procedural steps before a removal action can proceed.
The filing is sent to the region’s administrative judge, who may dismiss it or assign it to another judge. An outside prosecutor would then decide whether to pursue the civil removal case. Harwood has stressed that the proceeding is separate from Rodriquez’s federal lawsuit and said he has no role in that litigation.
Midland ISD Trustee Brandon Hodges has asked to intervene. His filing says he is not seeking to replace Harwood or add allegations, but wants to adopt the existing grounds as an independently qualified Midland County resident.
Investigation and public pressure continue
Trainor said he and Rodriquez were interviewed by a Texas Ranger, who asked questions intended to verify whether the identifying information shown online belonged to Rodriquez. The attorney also said subpoenas had been issued to Meta seeking information about when and where the material was posted and potentially viewed.
Harwood acknowledged what he described as a potential criminal case but declined to provide details, saying nothing had occurred publicly on that front. Midland County resident Shandi Williams called for Johnson’s resignation during a Commissioners Court meeting. Midland County Commissioner candidate Steven Villela said elected officials must protect residents’ confidential information.
Judge’s political future is already limited
Johnson lost his reelection bid after failing to advance from the March 3 primary. If he remains in office, his term is expected to end in early 2027, when election winner Jay Marquez is scheduled to take office.
The federal lawsuit and removal petition could therefore shape public accountability even if Johnson’s term ends as scheduled. The legal proceedings will determine whether the alleged disclosure violated Rodriquez’s rights and whether the conduct meets the standard for removing a county official before the end of the term. Johnson and his attorney were contacted for comment.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rodriquez alleges Johnson posted his Social Security and driver’s license numbers online. |
| 2 | The federal complaint claims the disclosure was retaliation for political criticism. |
| 3 | A separate Texas petition seeks Johnson’s removal from office. |
| 4 | A Texas Ranger interview and subpoenas to Meta are part of the developing inquiry. |
| 5 | Johnson’s current term is expected to end in early 2027 if he remains in office. |
Summary
The allegations have produced parallel legal and political consequences in Midland County. The federal case focuses on alleged retaliation and exposure of personal data, while the removal proceeding addresses whether Johnson’s conduct warrants ending his tenure early. Both matters remain unresolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal lawsuit about?
Rodriquez alleges that Johnson retaliated against him for criticizing local government by posting a warrant containing sensitive personal information on Facebook.
What information was allegedly exposed?
The lawsuit says the post displayed Rodriquez’s Social Security number, driver’s license number and date of birth, while other information was redacted.
Could Johnson be removed from office?
A removal petition has been filed, but it must pass through several procedural stages, including review by an administrative judge and a decision by an outside prosecutor.
When is Johnson’s term expected to end?
If he remains in office, Johnson’s term is expected to end in early 2027, when election winner Jay Marquez is scheduled to take office.
