<div>My name is David Flash, and I am the publisher of Big Bend Times and Texas Reporter. Over the past year, I have been the target of false criminal charges in Jeff Davis County, Texas, a place where I have reported extensively on corruption and abuses of power. The charges—Terroristic Threat and Harassment—are entirely false and were brought by Judge Mary Ann Luedecke, who has a documented history of harassing me.

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<div>I have not been formally charged with any crime—only falsely arrested and forced to post a $4,000 cash bond. Despite the charges being baseless, they have not been dismissed because, under Texas law, the moment they are dropped, I can proceed with several tort claims for the damages caused by these false allegations and other misconduct. The county’s strategy is clear: delay justice as long as possible to exhaust my resources and discourage me from fighting back.

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<div>This campaign of harassment did not stop with my false arrest. Deputy King Merritt pulled me over near my office in rural Fort Davis, not to issue a legitimate warning but to threaten me with arrest if I approached the courthouse. When I pointed out that such warnings should be made through proper channels, Merritt retaliated by issuing a bogus ticket for failing to maintain a single lane—an offense I did not commit. I was forced to post over $800 in bond to appeal this false ticket to county court without a trial.

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<div>Shockingly, Judge Mary Ann Luedecke, who claims to be a victim of my supposed “terrorism,” refused to recuse herself from handling this ticket case. If she genuinely feared for her safety, why would she be so determined to preside over my case personally? Her actions suggest a different motive: harassment and intimidation. Judge Luedecke not only refused to step aside but also engaged in ex parte communications with my former attorney, attempting to negotiate a plea deal without my consent—an unethical and illegal move.

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<div>Judge Luedecke’s procedural missteps didn’t stop there:

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<div>She issued multiple false warrant notices.

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<div>Failed to send court date notices, then accused me of “failing to appear” at hearings I was never informed about.

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<div>Used my name in a training exercise without explanation, later claiming it was a “mistake”—a claim that only raises more questions about her integrity.

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<div>Why I Need Your Help:

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<div>Fighting these false charges and prosecuting the tort claims against Jeff Davis County is incredibly expensive. As a media professional, I make a good living, but the financial burden of legal fees, expert witnesses, and the costs of a prolonged court battle are daunting—even for me. This is exactly why many people choose not to fight back against corrupt officials: they simply cannot afford it.

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<div>In Texas, the costs of defending against false criminal charges and pursuing civil claims can quickly exceed $100,000. This includes:

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<div>Legal Defense: $50,000+ for pretrial motions, hearings, and trial representation.

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<div>Depositions and Expert Witnesses: $20,000+ to build a strong case.

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<div>Filing Fees and Court Costs: $10,000+ just to keep the cases moving forward.

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<div>Appeals (if necessary): $20,000+ to ensure justice is served.

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<div>The Cost of Secrecy: $14,000 and Counting

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<div>Jeff Davis County has spent over $14,000 of taxpayer money to hire the Austin law firm Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP to prevent the release of records related to investigations against me—investigations that resulted in no charges. They have also retained El Paso law firms to defend against the tort claims I plan to file. The question remains: What are they spending so much money to hide?

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<div>Your Support Will Make a Difference:

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<div>By contributing to this campaign, you are not just helping me; you are standing up against a pattern of corruption and abuse of power in Jeff Davis County. Your donation will help ensure that these officials are held accountable and that no one else has to endure what I have faced.

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<div>If We Win:

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<div>Should I win any settlement from the tort claims:

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<div>I will donate an amount equal to or greater than the total donations received to the Institute for Justice and the ACLU, two organizations that tirelessly fight for civil liberties and against government overreach.

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<div>Any funds not used for legal expenses will also be donated.

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<div>Please Help Me Fight Back!

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<div>I believe that justice will prevail, but I cannot do it alone. If you care about freedom of the press, government accountability, and protecting citizens from abuse of power, please consider making a donation—no amount is too small.

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<div>If you can’t donate, please share this campaign. Let’s send a message to Jeff Davis County: We will not be intimidated.

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<div>Thank you so much for your support.

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<div>David Flash

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<div>Publisher &amp; CEO, Texas Reporter Media

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