Robertson County Public Figures Named in Federal Racketeering Lawsuit

Updated: 10:16 AM May 19, 2009

A federal lawsuit filed Monday in Waco claims a Hearne law firm conspired with State District Judge Robert Stem to steal millions of dollars in property and mineral rights in an elaborate racketeering scheme.

Posted: 4:21 PM May 18, 2009
Reporter: Sylvia Villarreal
Email Address: villarreal@kbtx.com

2009.05.18 Original Complaint (stamped)

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Included among the 18 defendants named in the suit is Hearne City Attorney Brian F. Russ Jr. and James H. McCullough. The two are also partners in their own law firm.

News 3 has spoken with Bryan Russ, Jr. who says, there is no validity to any of the accusations.

Encana Oil & Gas and Leor Energy are also listed as defendants. These companies have reportedly benefited from the transactions made possible by some of the other defendants.

Though not named in the suit, District Court Judge Robert M. Stem, is listed as a co-conspirator who allegedly over time, has aided the defendants in their extortion plots.

News 3 tried to contact Judge Stem for comment, but he has not returned our calls.

The suit alleges that these and other individuals have over the past 15 years, planned and plotted to primarily swindle African Americans, people no longer living in Robertson County and the poor.

The suit claims, dummy companies are reportedly used by the defendants to easily transfer property and mineral rights. While the owners are allegedly contacted, Judge Stem is accused of allowing Russ & McCullough to serve notice to the unknown property owners by placing ads in publications. When the owners fail to come forward, the suit alleges the land is sold at below market value and the money is then deposited in the registry of the court.

After seven years pass and the money goes unclaimed, Judge Stem reportedly awards the funds to one of the dummy companies established by Russ & McCullough.

The four plaintiffs in the case are seeking three times the compensatory damages and punitive damages against the defendants. The plaintiffs are also seeking reasonable attorney fees and costs and order an equitable accounting from the defendants and are seeking to be awarded all they are legally entitled.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Franklin Lion Location: Franklin, Texas on Nov 13, 2009 at 04:02 PM

To Correction: If they are not related, then why pray tell were they ALL named in a law suit several years ago as joint landowners against the state of Texas? Hmmmmm. James D. Elliott, Gloria Elliott, Karan (Russ) Elliott, and Russ as well.
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Posted by: Cowboy Location: Bryan, Texas on Nov 13, 2009 at 09:19 AM

Last night I kicked back and watched the lastest release from Redbox, called American Violet. Turns out that was based next door in Hearne, Texas. Unlawful drug raids to the housing project on the wrong side of the tracks, racial targeting, and forced plea-bargains, all to earn more almighty dollars to the city and county from federal grants. I do believe Mr. Russ represented Robertson county when the ACLU got involved and in the end the drug charges were dropped and a confidential settlement was reached. American Violet, rent it at your local redbox today.
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Posted by: Correction on Nov 13, 2009 at 07:43 AM

You do understand that they are not related, right? That isn't the same family. I understand that having the same last name can be confusing, kinda like Johnson, Jones, and Smith.
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