Texas Judge's Aggressive Emails Exposed After Courtroom Confrontation
Explosive emails from a Texas judge have been leaked, revealing a pattern of harsh and demanding behavior toward court staff, following widespread criticism over a video showing him yelling at an IT worker in his courtroom. Judge Nathan Milliron of Texas's 215th District Court, who has held his position for just over a year, is facing scrutiny for his conduct both on and off the bench.
Courtroom Outburst Sparks Initial Controversy
Last week, Judge Milliron made headlines when a video surfaced of him snapping at an IT worker who was assisting with computer audio issues in the courtroom. In the footage, after the technician resolved the problem and remarked, "Okay, false alarm," Milliron retorted sharply, "No, it wasn't a false alarm." When the worker attempted to lighten the mood with a joke, saying "False negative?" the judge escalated, stating, "Don't joke around, I'm serious about this. It was happening." He then dismissed the IT specialist with a raised hand, sarcastically thanking him and demanding, "Get out of my courtroom." Courthouse employees noted that the technician is well-liked and competent, adding to the concern over Milliron's treatment.
Leaked Emails Reveal Further Demands and Insults
Now, emails from 2025 obtained by Click 2 Houston show that Milliron's aggressive behavior extended beyond the courtroom. In one email to District Clerk Marilyn Burgess, he wrote in all caps, "THIS IS NO LONGER AN ASK. GET ME A CLERK THAT RESPONDS TO ME and does the job!" He threatened to use statutes to enforce his demands, adding, "I hear there are some statutes that will allow what I am asking for... don't make me use them, I will if I have to." Milliron questioned Burgess about pending e-filings and criticized her responsiveness, writing, "You didn't respond to me as you promised... My Court will no longer be stagnant because of DCO's ineptitude."
In another email to Burgess and a clerk named Lisa, Milliron referred to Lisa as "subordinate" and claimed she "can't stomach" the work. He asserted his superiority, stating, "Lisa - you heard something that you didn't advance, right? I probably have the e-mail you got. I'm much smarter than you. I will post this e-mai... [sic]." He demanded a new clerk be assigned, signing off with "THAT IS AN ORDER!" Milliron also emphasized his authority, telling Burgess he is a "duly-elected judge of the 215th" and insisted on receiving "the same respect as any other judge in the courthouse," warning, "I'm not presently getting it. Fix this by Monday!"
Legal Community and Officials Respond
Attorney James Stafford publicly condemned Milliron's behavior, telling Click 2 Houston, "I've never seen a judge act this way. His conduct was way out of hand." Stafford emailed Milliron directly about the incident, after which the judge reportedly ordered him to appear in court on April 9. Stafford defended his email, saying, "There was nothing inappropriate." In response to the controversy, Judge Rabeea Collier, the civil court's administrative judge, released a statement to ABC 13, acknowledging the concerns and emphasizing that "the conduct of everyone serving in the judicial system must reflect the professionalism, respect, and impartiality that the public rightly expects." She assured the public that the matter is being taken seriously, though she declined to comment on specifics due to potential review.
Additional Ethical and Financial Issues
Compounding the situation, Texas Ethics Commission records indicate that Milliron faces fines of up to $1,500 for failing to submit required campaign finance and personal financial disclosures. This adds to the growing scrutiny over his tenure, which began in January 2025. The Daily Mail has reached out to Milliron for comment, but no response has been provided at this time. The leaked emails and video footage have sparked broader discussions about judicial conduct and workplace respect within the legal system.
