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Gillam
Gillam
Attorneys for the Port Arthur Justice of the Peace Tom Gillam case appeared, without the defendant, on Feb. 7 to hear an announcement that the sitting elected official has been indicted – again – this time to clear up wording in the original charging instrument approved by a Jefferson County grand jury in August 2023.
Prosecutors Pro Tem, acting as special prosecutors on the case, appeared on behalf of the state. Former Jefferson County criminal court judge Layne Walker appeared on behalf of Gillam.
“We are doing our best,” the special prosecutor advised the court of plans to move forward. As the attorney delves more into the matter, she believes more time will be needed to present the case before a jury. Walker did not disagree.
The charge, classified as a misdemeanor but heard in felony court, alleges Gillam committed “official oppression” related to sexual harassment, as investigated by the Texas Rangers beginning in 2022. As alleged in the original indictment, Gillam subjected a female employee in the Port Arthur Justice of the Peace office “to sexual harassment by making unwelcome sexual advances, making requests for sexual favors, and physical conduct of a sexual nature, knowing that the advances or requests was not welcomed by the complainant,” while acting under “the color of his office or employment as a public servant.”
Cancelling scheduled trial that was to commence March 6, the attorneys for the state and defendant have agreed to return to court March 4 to air pre-trial motions such as a Brady disclosure notice and a defense motion to quash.
If convicted of official oppression, Gillam faces up to one year in the Jefferson County Jail and a fine up to $4,000.