District Attorney Henry Garza, of Bell County, announced Thursday that he is calling to the witness stand Judge Steve Smith, a visiting judge who filed the contempt charges against El Paso defense attorneys Theresa Caballero and Stuart Leeds.
Judge Smith accused Leeds and Caballero of contempt, saying they were disrespectful to the court and rude to jurors during jury selection. Judge Smith was not expected to testify in the trial, which has been littered with accusations of racism, abuse and politically motivated prosecution.
DA Garza telephoned Judge Smith shortly after proceedings began on Thursday and reported to Visiting Judge Juanita Vasquez-Gardner, who is presiding in the case, that Judge Smith will provide him with a definite answer later in the day.
