Statement Regarding the Judge Carlos Cortez Investigation:
The Dallas Police Department has reviewed the actions of the original responding patrol officers to the call for service that occurred at 3030 McKinney Ave on December 28, 2013. Contrary to recent media reports, senior officers were involved in the arrest and investigation of the offense involving Judge Carlos Cortez and the victim.
There was ample evidence of probable cause for the case to be presented to the Grand Jury.
Evidence of the victim’s injuries as well as witness statements supported her allegation that she had been assaulted by Judge Cortez. Responding officers correctly followed State Law and the Code of Criminal Procedure under Article 5.04 as well as the Police Department’s policies regarding the protection of victims of domestic violence. Responding officers arrested Judge Cortez at the scene for the offense of Assault Strangulation Family Violence F/3.
Detectives from the Domestic Violence Unit contacted the victim the same day and interviewed her regarding the offense. Additional statements were taken from other witnesses and a search warrant was obtained to photograph the location of the offense.
Judge Cortez was contacted by detectives but refused to cooperate with the investigation.
The completed case was reviewed by attorneys from the Dallas County District Attorney’s office and was presented to the Grand Jury without the investigating detective being present at the hearing.
The Department was not made aware of the existence of any cell phone video taken by Judge Cortez of the victim on November 11, 2013 until the media reported its existence after the Grand Jury had met on February 20, 2014.
