Lockney JP enters plea, 10 years probation
By Dan Packarddan.packard@amarillo.com
A Lockney justice of the peace pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting of her husband and drew a 10-year probated sentence Tuesday.
Michelle Araujo entered the plea shortly before her trial was to begin for shooting her husband, Romeo Araujo, three times in the abdomen at their home about 7 miles north of Lockney on March 10.
Michelle Araujo had been charged in a two-part indictment alleging attempted murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The trial was moved on a change of venue from Floyd County to Randall County in June.
Randall County Criminal District Attorney James Farren was named special prosecutor.
"The victim didn't want her to go to prison.
This satisfies the victim and the state of Texas.
It gives the victim and the defendant a chance to rebuild their marriage," Farren said of the agreement. "Given the circumstances, this is the best outcome we could hope for and it comes closest to satisfying the needs of justice."
Defense attorney Travis Ware of Lubbock said, "We would rather have tried the case, but after talking to the alleged victim, we decided it was in the best interest of everyone that we reach an agreement that everybody could count on."
110th District Judge William Smith out of Floyd County presided during the proceedings at the Randall County Justice Center in Canyon.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Justice of peace goes on trial today.
Attempted murder charged
By Dan Packarddan.packard@amarillo.com
James Farren: Named special prosecutor
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The trial of a Lockney justice of the peace accused of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting of her husband is scheduled to begin today in Randall County.
Floyd County Justice of the Peace Michelle Araujo faces trial for allegedly shooting her husband, Romeo Araujo, three times in the abdomen area at their home about 7 miles north of Lockney on March 10.
The trial was moved on a change of venue from Floyd County to Randall County in June. Randall County Criminal District Attorney James Farren was named special prosecutor.
The change of venue became necessary, said 110th District Attorney Becky McPherson, due to the publicity of the case in Lockney, a town of about 2,000 people located 80 miles southeast of Amarillo.
"It was big news, of course, in Lockney, a JP shooting her husband," McPherson said. "Everybody had an opinion on it. I don't know if they could have even seated a jury here. Everybody knew about it here."
McPherson said Michelle Araujo, 33 at the time of the shooting, and Romeo Araujo, then 39, remain married. Romeo Araujo filed for divorce but withdrew the petition, McPherson said.
Michelle Araujo has served as justice of the peace since October 1999, when she was appointed by Floyd County Commissioners.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended her with pay from her JP post April 5 after a misdemeanor charge of official oppression was lodged against her. The charge alleges Michelle Araujo threatened to use the authority of her office to ruin the quality of a citizen's life.
Michelle Araujo also faces a misdemeanor charge filed by the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission on March 16. The charge alleges she sold alcohol to a minor at Bruskie's Liquor, a store owned by Michelle Araujo and her husband, in Briscoe County. It marked the second such allegation within a year's time.
Court action on the oppression charge and the charge of selling alcohol to a minor is pending.
Farren said jury selection for her attempted murder trial will begin at 9 a.m. today.
"We hope to have a jury sometime that afternoon and begin testimony that afternoon, but we might not get testimony until Tuesday," Farren said. "It's likely the case will run the rest of the week and may run into next week."
Farren said trials of public officials present problems for prosecutors and defense attorneys alike, especially with jury selection.
"Both sides are looking for a jury that can be fair," Farren said. "Some see public officials as people who can be trusted. Other people suspect all politicians are shady characters. Both sides want to select jurors who will be fair and impartial. An absolutely fair jury will decide the case based on the merits of the case and not on the position that anybody has (about public officials)."
Each charge in the trial - attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon - is a second-degree felony that carries a punishment of two to 20 years in prison, Farren said.
However, Farren said, "Assault with a deadly weapon is normally a second-degree felony, but certain relationships raise the penalty to a first-degree felony. If it's proven that the victim was her husband and it's proven that she used a deadly weapon, the charge can rise to a first-degree felony.
"It seems strange, but a person could face more time for aggravated assault than for attempted murder."
Defense attorneys are former 242nd District Attorney Terry McEachern of Plainview and former Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney Travis Ware.
Neither could be reached for comment.
Farren said assistant district attorney Diana Estrada will assist him in prosecuting the case.
By Dan Packarddan.packard@amarillo.com
James Farren: Named special prosecutor
ARTICLE TOOLS: Email Article Print-Friendly Format
The trial of a Lockney justice of the peace accused of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting of her husband is scheduled to begin today in Randall County.
Floyd County Justice of the Peace Michelle Araujo faces trial for allegedly shooting her husband, Romeo Araujo, three times in the abdomen area at their home about 7 miles north of Lockney on March 10.
The trial was moved on a change of venue from Floyd County to Randall County in June. Randall County Criminal District Attorney James Farren was named special prosecutor.
The change of venue became necessary, said 110th District Attorney Becky McPherson, due to the publicity of the case in Lockney, a town of about 2,000 people located 80 miles southeast of Amarillo.
"It was big news, of course, in Lockney, a JP shooting her husband," McPherson said. "Everybody had an opinion on it. I don't know if they could have even seated a jury here. Everybody knew about it here."
McPherson said Michelle Araujo, 33 at the time of the shooting, and Romeo Araujo, then 39, remain married. Romeo Araujo filed for divorce but withdrew the petition, McPherson said.
Michelle Araujo has served as justice of the peace since October 1999, when she was appointed by Floyd County Commissioners.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended her with pay from her JP post April 5 after a misdemeanor charge of official oppression was lodged against her. The charge alleges Michelle Araujo threatened to use the authority of her office to ruin the quality of a citizen's life.
Michelle Araujo also faces a misdemeanor charge filed by the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission on March 16. The charge alleges she sold alcohol to a minor at Bruskie's Liquor, a store owned by Michelle Araujo and her husband, in Briscoe County. It marked the second such allegation within a year's time.
Court action on the oppression charge and the charge of selling alcohol to a minor is pending.
Farren said jury selection for her attempted murder trial will begin at 9 a.m. today.
"We hope to have a jury sometime that afternoon and begin testimony that afternoon, but we might not get testimony until Tuesday," Farren said. "It's likely the case will run the rest of the week and may run into next week."
Farren said trials of public officials present problems for prosecutors and defense attorneys alike, especially with jury selection.
"Both sides are looking for a jury that can be fair," Farren said. "Some see public officials as people who can be trusted. Other people suspect all politicians are shady characters. Both sides want to select jurors who will be fair and impartial. An absolutely fair jury will decide the case based on the merits of the case and not on the position that anybody has (about public officials)."
Each charge in the trial - attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon - is a second-degree felony that carries a punishment of two to 20 years in prison, Farren said.
However, Farren said, "Assault with a deadly weapon is normally a second-degree felony, but certain relationships raise the penalty to a first-degree felony. If it's proven that the victim was her husband and it's proven that she used a deadly weapon, the charge can rise to a first-degree felony.
"It seems strange, but a person could face more time for aggravated assault than for attempted murder."
Defense attorneys are former 242nd District Attorney Terry McEachern of Plainview and former Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney Travis Ware.
Neither could be reached for comment.
Farren said assistant district attorney Diana Estrada will assist him in prosecuting the case.
Trial Beings Today--
More than 10 months after being arrested and seven months after a change of venue, a Lockney justice of the peace faces trial beginning today in Randall County for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting of her husband.
Floyd County Justice of the Peace Michelle Araujo is accused of allegedly shooting her husband, Romeo Araujo, three times in the abdomen area at their home about 7 miles north of Lockney on March 10.
The trial was moved from Floyd County to Randall County in June. A change of venue became necessary due to the publicity of the case in Lockney, said 110th District Attorney Becky McPherson.
“It was big news, of course, in Lockney, a JP shooting her husband,” McPherson told the Amarillo Globe-News. “Everybody had an opinion on it. I don’t know if they could have even seated a jury here. Everybody knew about it here.”
Randall County Criminal District Attorney James Farren was named special prosecutor.
Defense attorneys are former 242nd District Attorney Terry McEachern of Plainview and former Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney Travis Ware.
Neither could be reached for comment.
McPherson said Michelle Araujo, 33 at the time of the shooting, and Romeo Araujo, then 39, remain married. Romeo Araujo filed for divorce but withdrew the petition, McPherson said.
Michelle Araujo, who has served as justice of the peace since October 1999 when she was appointed by Floyd County Commissioners, was suspended with pay on April 5 by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct after a misdemeanor charge of official oppression was lodged against her. The charge alleges Araujo threatened to use the authority of her office to ruin the quality of a citizen’s life.
Meanwhile, Michelle Araujo also faces a misdemeanor charge filed by the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission on March 16 alleging she sold alcohol to a minor at Bruskie’s Liquor, a store owned by the Araujos in Briscoe County. It marked the second such allegation in a year.
Court action on the oppression charge and the charge of selling alcohol to a minor is pending.
Jury selection for the attempted murder trial was to begin at 9 a.m. today.
“We hope to have a jury sometime that afternoon and begin testimony that afternoon, but we might not get testimony until Tuesday,” Farren said. “It’s likely the case will run the rest of the week and may run into next week.”
Farren said trials of public officials present problems for prosecutors and defense attorneys alike, especially with jury selection.
“Both sides are looking for a jury that can be fair,” Farren told the Globe-News. “Some see public officials as people who can be trusted. Other people suspect all politicians are shady characters. Both sides want to select jurors who will be fair and impartial. An absolutely fair jury will decide the case based on the merits of the case and not on the position that anybody has (about public officials).”
Each charge in the trial — attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon — is a second-degree felony that carries a punishment of two to 20 years in prison, Farren said.
However, Farren said, “Assault with a deadly weapon is normally a second-degree felony, but certain relationships raise the penalty to a first-degree felony. If it’s proven that the victim was her husband and it’s proven that she used a deadly weapon, the charge can rise to a first-degree felony.
“It seems strange, but a person could face more time for aggravated assault than for attempted murder.”
(Contact Kevin Lewis at 806-296-1353 or kwlewis@hearstnp.com)
Floyd County Justice of the Peace Michelle Araujo is accused of allegedly shooting her husband, Romeo Araujo, three times in the abdomen area at their home about 7 miles north of Lockney on March 10.
The trial was moved from Floyd County to Randall County in June. A change of venue became necessary due to the publicity of the case in Lockney, said 110th District Attorney Becky McPherson.
“It was big news, of course, in Lockney, a JP shooting her husband,” McPherson told the Amarillo Globe-News. “Everybody had an opinion on it. I don’t know if they could have even seated a jury here. Everybody knew about it here.”
Randall County Criminal District Attorney James Farren was named special prosecutor.
Defense attorneys are former 242nd District Attorney Terry McEachern of Plainview and former Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney Travis Ware.
Neither could be reached for comment.
McPherson said Michelle Araujo, 33 at the time of the shooting, and Romeo Araujo, then 39, remain married. Romeo Araujo filed for divorce but withdrew the petition, McPherson said.
Michelle Araujo, who has served as justice of the peace since October 1999 when she was appointed by Floyd County Commissioners, was suspended with pay on April 5 by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct after a misdemeanor charge of official oppression was lodged against her. The charge alleges Araujo threatened to use the authority of her office to ruin the quality of a citizen’s life.
Meanwhile, Michelle Araujo also faces a misdemeanor charge filed by the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission on March 16 alleging she sold alcohol to a minor at Bruskie’s Liquor, a store owned by the Araujos in Briscoe County. It marked the second such allegation in a year.
Court action on the oppression charge and the charge of selling alcohol to a minor is pending.
Jury selection for the attempted murder trial was to begin at 9 a.m. today.
“We hope to have a jury sometime that afternoon and begin testimony that afternoon, but we might not get testimony until Tuesday,” Farren said. “It’s likely the case will run the rest of the week and may run into next week.”
Farren said trials of public officials present problems for prosecutors and defense attorneys alike, especially with jury selection.
“Both sides are looking for a jury that can be fair,” Farren told the Globe-News. “Some see public officials as people who can be trusted. Other people suspect all politicians are shady characters. Both sides want to select jurors who will be fair and impartial. An absolutely fair jury will decide the case based on the merits of the case and not on the position that anybody has (about public officials).”
Each charge in the trial — attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon — is a second-degree felony that carries a punishment of two to 20 years in prison, Farren said.
However, Farren said, “Assault with a deadly weapon is normally a second-degree felony, but certain relationships raise the penalty to a first-degree felony. If it’s proven that the victim was her husband and it’s proven that she used a deadly weapon, the charge can rise to a first-degree felony.
“It seems strange, but a person could face more time for aggravated assault than for attempted murder.”
(Contact Kevin Lewis at 806-296-1353 or kwlewis@hearstnp.com)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
County Gets Help for Araujo's Office
County Gets Help for Araujo's Office
Floyd County Commissioners met, April 13, and discussed staffing the Justice of the Peace office in Lockney, after J.P. Michelle Araujo was suspended with pay from her position.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct, on April 5, 2007, ordered that Araujo be suspended with pay from her office of Justice of the Peace and from the office of Municipal Court Judge for the City of Lockney, following charges being filed against Araujo for Official Oppression.
Because the County has to continue paying Araujo, Commissioners discussed "where the money was going to come from" to hire someone to take care of the office in Araujo's absence.
Commissioner Lennie Gilroy spoke to the Court about the problem being created from Araujo's absence.
"People are calling in to pay tickets," said Gilroy. "Some pay by the week, or month. People are concerned and want to take care of their business.
"We have to continue to pay Michelle's salary and we haven't budgeted the funds to pay 2 full salaries.
"I'd like to change the office recording and refer questions to J.P. Tali Jackson in Floydada and put new hours on the answering machine. Judge Jackson has agreed to help in any way possible.
"Michelle's secretary, Sandra Suarez, was paid for out of Michelle's budget. The budget covered the salary when Michelle was on vacation or in school and I think Michelle paid out of her own pocket for any other time."
Suarez told the court she made $7.00 an hour when she worked. She said Monday's were usually very busy at the office. When asked what days would be good for her to work, Suarez said she could work on Mondays and Wednesdays.
After looking through Araujo's budget, the Commissioners saw there was at least $1,600 left in extra labor and supplies.
After discussion the Commissioners decided to pay Suarez for two days a week--Monday and Wednesdays. When the money runs out for the budgeted "extra help", then Suarez would be paid out of the other line items in Araujo's budget.
Suarez will work in the J.P.'s office and collect money, enter payments in the computer, make deposits and monthly reports.
Local law enforcement have already started referring their tickets to the J.P. office in Floydada instead of Lockney.
Floyd County Commissioners met, April 13, and discussed staffing the Justice of the Peace office in Lockney, after J.P. Michelle Araujo was suspended with pay from her position.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct, on April 5, 2007, ordered that Araujo be suspended with pay from her office of Justice of the Peace and from the office of Municipal Court Judge for the City of Lockney, following charges being filed against Araujo for Official Oppression.
Because the County has to continue paying Araujo, Commissioners discussed "where the money was going to come from" to hire someone to take care of the office in Araujo's absence.
Commissioner Lennie Gilroy spoke to the Court about the problem being created from Araujo's absence.
"People are calling in to pay tickets," said Gilroy. "Some pay by the week, or month. People are concerned and want to take care of their business.
"We have to continue to pay Michelle's salary and we haven't budgeted the funds to pay 2 full salaries.
"I'd like to change the office recording and refer questions to J.P. Tali Jackson in Floydada and put new hours on the answering machine. Judge Jackson has agreed to help in any way possible.
"Michelle's secretary, Sandra Suarez, was paid for out of Michelle's budget. The budget covered the salary when Michelle was on vacation or in school and I think Michelle paid out of her own pocket for any other time."
Suarez told the court she made $7.00 an hour when she worked. She said Monday's were usually very busy at the office. When asked what days would be good for her to work, Suarez said she could work on Mondays and Wednesdays.
After looking through Araujo's budget, the Commissioners saw there was at least $1,600 left in extra labor and supplies.
After discussion the Commissioners decided to pay Suarez for two days a week--Monday and Wednesdays. When the money runs out for the budgeted "extra help", then Suarez would be paid out of the other line items in Araujo's budget.
Suarez will work in the J.P.'s office and collect money, enter payments in the computer, make deposits and monthly reports.
Local law enforcement have already started referring their tickets to the J.P. office in Floydada instead of Lockney.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Finally Suspended
Commission Suspends Michelle Araujo With Pay
By Alice Gilroy
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct, on April 5, 2007, ordered that Lockney J.P. Michelle Araujo be suspended with pay from the office of Justice of the Peace and from the office of Municipal Court Judge for the City of Lockney.
The Order of Suspension was made after the State Commission was presented with information on the misdemeanor charges of Official Oppression filed by Floyd County Attorney Lex Herrington against Araujo on March 23, 2007 in County Court.
The ruling by the Commission stated, "Having considered the information, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded that the offense charged is a misdemeanor involving official misconduct, and determined that Michelle Araujo should be Suspended With Pay...and that such suspension should remain in effect until further orders of the Commission or an order of the court having competent jurisdiction over the offense charged."
The order was signed by the Honorable Michael R. Fields, Vice Chair of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
According to the Commission's Executive Director, Seana Willing, this order stands until the Official Oppression misdemeanor case is resolved by a "Guilty" or "Not Guilty" verdict in County Court, or Araujo is indicted by a Grand Jury on the Felony Charge of Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon.
Araujo was arrested March 10, 2007 for allegedly shooting her husband, Romeo. The case has not been brought before Floyd County Grand Jurors yet.
"Araujo is entitled to her day in court," said Willing. "If she is indicted the Commission would reevaluate this Order."
By Alice Gilroy
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct, on April 5, 2007, ordered that Lockney J.P. Michelle Araujo be suspended with pay from the office of Justice of the Peace and from the office of Municipal Court Judge for the City of Lockney.
The Order of Suspension was made after the State Commission was presented with information on the misdemeanor charges of Official Oppression filed by Floyd County Attorney Lex Herrington against Araujo on March 23, 2007 in County Court.
The ruling by the Commission stated, "Having considered the information, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded that the offense charged is a misdemeanor involving official misconduct, and determined that Michelle Araujo should be Suspended With Pay...and that such suspension should remain in effect until further orders of the Commission or an order of the court having competent jurisdiction over the offense charged."
The order was signed by the Honorable Michael R. Fields, Vice Chair of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
According to the Commission's Executive Director, Seana Willing, this order stands until the Official Oppression misdemeanor case is resolved by a "Guilty" or "Not Guilty" verdict in County Court, or Araujo is indicted by a Grand Jury on the Felony Charge of Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon.
Araujo was arrested March 10, 2007 for allegedly shooting her husband, Romeo. The case has not been brought before Floyd County Grand Jurors yet.
"Araujo is entitled to her day in court," said Willing. "If she is indicted the Commission would reevaluate this Order."
Thursday, April 12, 2007
New Info on Gun--
It seems the gun used to commit the crime is registered not to her nor to her mother as I had predicted...it's registered to none other that the boys in blue in the next county. The gun belongs to the Plainview Police Dept, which her mother is gainfully employed as a secretary. I don't think weapons are currently issued to secretaries for recreational use or to loan out family members to commit crimes. Looks like mother/daughter might end up being bunk mates.
Stay tuned.
Update--I talked to the Texas Ranger myself and he stated that the gun was sold by an officer back in 93 and resold several times after that.
Stay tuned.
Update--I talked to the Texas Ranger myself and he stated that the gun was sold by an officer back in 93 and resold several times after that.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Another Misdemeanor Charge
Araujo Faces Another Misdemeanor Charge
Lockney Justice of the Peace, Michelle Araujo, is now facing another Class A Misdemeanor Charge.
March 23, in County Court, Araujo was charged with Official Oppression (Texas Penal Code 39.03).
County Attorney Lex Herrington filed the complaint based on an affidavit filed by Sheriff Paul Raissez.
According to the affidavit, Floyd County Justice of the Peace of Pct. 2 & 3, "acting under the color of her office and employment, did intentionally deny or impede (name withheld) in the exercise and enjoyment of her right or privilege or power or immunity, to wit: her right to free speech and right to travel.."
The complainant in this case (whose name is being withheld because of fear of reprisal) told The Hesperian-Beacon she had received a threatening phone call from Araujo a few days before Michelle Araujo allegedly shot her husband, Romeo Araujo.
The complainant said, "She (Michelle Araujo) told me she had the authority to do whatever she wanted to do with me... and that she could make my life miserable."
Lockney Justice of the Peace, Michelle Araujo, is now facing another Class A Misdemeanor Charge.
March 23, in County Court, Araujo was charged with Official Oppression (Texas Penal Code 39.03).
County Attorney Lex Herrington filed the complaint based on an affidavit filed by Sheriff Paul Raissez.
According to the affidavit, Floyd County Justice of the Peace of Pct. 2 & 3, "acting under the color of her office and employment, did intentionally deny or impede (name withheld) in the exercise and enjoyment of her right or privilege or power or immunity, to wit: her right to free speech and right to travel.."
The complainant in this case (whose name is being withheld because of fear of reprisal) told The Hesperian-Beacon she had received a threatening phone call from Araujo a few days before Michelle Araujo allegedly shot her husband, Romeo Araujo.
The complainant said, "She (Michelle Araujo) told me she had the authority to do whatever she wanted to do with me... and that she could make my life miserable."
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