QUITMAN, TX — A judge on Wednesday issued a directed verdict of not guilty, clearing Upshur County Judge Dean Fowler of an official oppression charge.
Judge Richard Davis also quashed an indictment of abuse of official capacity against Fowler. The State Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended Fowler pending the outcome of the charges and must reinstate him before he can go back to work as county judge. It was not clear Wednesday how long that would take, but it could be as early as next week.
“My family and I are relieved,” Fowler said. “We appreciate the judge’s decision. I would like to thank all of my supporters and the people who have been concerned about me in Upshur County.”
Davis granted a motion for directed verdict of not guilty filed by Fowler’s attorneys after the prosecution rested, citing that attorneys Rick Hagan and Lew Dunn had failed to prove Fowler knowingly violated Jimmy Caughron’s rights or even that Fowler was involved in Caughron being removed from a Commissioners Court meeting.
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