Taylor County law enforcement is losing the trust of its residents.
Reviving dismissed claims, bypassing judicial oversight, and questionable prosecutions: how Taylor County is forsaking fairness and eroding public confidence.
What’s Happening in Taylor County?
A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Taylor County District Attorney’s Office, alleging widespread constitutional violations that undermine the foundations of due process. Central to the complaint is a troubling pattern: arrest warrants are being issued without the bedrock constitutional finding of probable cause sworn and signed by a neutral magistrate. In Taylor County, warrants and warrant applications often omit the words “probable cause” entirely, raising serious questions about whether residents are being unlawfully deprived of their rights.
The Case of Dr. Vic Lee
The lawsuit focuses on the prosecution of Dr. Victor Lee, a well-known Abilene orthodontist. Eight years ago, local police investigated and declined to pursue a sexual assault allegation against him, citing insufficient grounds. Despite that decision, Assistant District Attorney (ADA) recently revived the allegation—reportedly at the urging of the complainant—without new evidence.
This is not the first time Dr. Lee has been targeted. The ADA previously brought a prescription fraud case against him, which collapsed when a jury returned a “not guilty” verdict in less than 30 minutes. Both prosecutions rely on testimony from the same individual: a local photographer with a well-documented history of making discredited accusations.
A Questionable Reliance on a Discredited Accuser
The complainant, once Dr. Lee’s romantic partner, has a history of using the legal system to make damaging claims. According to the lawsuit, in addition to the two questionable claims against Dr. Lee, she previously convinced her own son to falsely accuse his step-brother of sexual assault during a contentious divorce proceeding. Despite knowing this history, the ADA allegedly continued to rely on her as a key witness against Dr. Lee. This time, instead of police bringing forward charges for review, the ADA is alleged to have suggested the complainant go back to police to request the eight-year-old case be reopened, then pursued the long ago dropped charges—an inversion of how the criminal justice process is supposed to work.
Broader Implications
The lawsuit doesn’t just expose questionable prosecutorial tactics in one case. It points to a systemic problem within Taylor County’s DA office, where arrests are initiated without judicial review and where the constitutional right to neutral oversight is ignored. These allegations highlight how the criminal justice system can leave citizens vulnerable to the abuse of power.
What is happening in Taylor County echoes broader concerns across Texas and the nation. If prosecutors can sidestep probable cause requirements, the protections designed to shield individuals from arbitrary arrests and personal retribution are eroded—threatening not just one man’s freedom, but the integrity of the justice system itself.