A Midland County judge faces a federal lawsuit over an alleged doxxing post that exposed a critic’s personal data on Facebook.
The Midland County judge doxxing case has put West Texas Judge Terry Johnson at the center of a federal civil rights lawsuit and a separate push to remove him from office. Johnson is accused of posting a political critic’s Social Security number, driver’s license number and date of birth on Facebook after the critic published federal court records involving Midland County.
The plaintiff, Christino Rodriquez, who uses the online name “Nino America,” says in a 26-page federal complaint that Johnson retaliated against him for criticizing local government. The lawsuit claims Johnson used his official position to obtain confidential information and then shared it publicly. It says Johnson also posted a 2015 arrest warrant on his personal Facebook page with the message, “Convicted felon trying to be a player.” The filing says the charges tied to that warrant were later dismissed and that Rodriquez was not convicted in the case.
The complaint draws attention to what was covered up in the post and what was left exposed. Rodriquez’s home address and telephone number were blacked out, while the Social Security and driver’s license numbers stayed visible. Rodriquez’s lawyer, James “Trey” Trainor, said the case is not just about one social media post. “The lawsuit is really about retaliation and abuse of power,” he said, adding that it also raises First Amendment concerns about whether citizens can criticize government without being targeted in return.
Trainor said Rodriquez is active in the Midland community, attends public events and speaks out on local issues. He argued that Johnson reacted after Rodriquez offended the county judge. Trainor also said Johnson had an employee access a criminal justice information system to gather information about Rodriquez. The lawsuit alleges Johnson got the unredacted warrant either through his own official access or through county personnel acting at his request or direction. Trainor said the disclosure has left Rodriquez and his wife worried about identity theft and where the information may spread.
The Midland County judge doxxing allegations have also prompted discussions with the Social Security Administration about possibly changing Rodriquez’s Social Security number, Trainor said. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, along with other relief that includes lifetime identity-theft protection and credit monitoring. No dollar amount has been listed. Trainor said his team is still assessing the full cost and the wider impact on Rodriquez’s life.
The case is unfolding alongside an effort by Midland County District Attorney Glenn Harwood to remove Johnson from office. Harwood filed a petition on Aug. 6, the first step under Texas law for trying to oust a county-level elected official. Harwood said the petition must still clear several hurdles, including review by the region’s administrative judge and, potentially, an outside prosecutor who would decide whether to pursue the civil action.
Midland ISD Trustee Brandon Hodges has asked to intervene in that removal case, saying his move is meant to keep the matter alive if Johnson challenges Harwood’s role as both district attorney and the resident who started the proceeding. Hodges said he is not trying to add new allegations or replace Harwood. Instead, he wants to join as a Midland County resident and rely on the same grounds for removal. In a statement, he said he intervened so the case would not die on a procedural issue tied to Harwood’s dual role.
Public pressure has also grown outside the courtroom. Midland County resident Shandi Williams called for Johnson to resign during a Commissioners Court meeting, according to the Midland Reporter-Telegram. Steven Villela, a candidate for Midland County Commissioner Precinct 3, also said Johnson should step down, writing that no elected official is above the law. Johnson lost his reelection bid after failing to advance from the March 3 primary, and if he stays in office, his term is expected to run until early 2027, when election winner Jay Marquez is set to take over. For Americans watching this fight, the bigger issue is simple: public power cannot be used to punish political criticism, and the next steps in the lawsuit and removal effort will show how far Texas officials are willing to go to enforce that line.
