Protective Order Case Against Dr. Candice Matthews Sent to Administrative Judge for Recusal Review

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – A protective order case involving Houston activist Dr. Candice Matthews is now headed to a Harris County administrative judge for review after Matthews’ attorneys argued that the presiding judge should be recused.

The case is being heard in the 280th District Civil Court, which handles protective order matters. Jazmin Perez has filed a protective order application against Matthews.

The case stems from allegations previously brought to Matthews’ attention involving Perez’s mother, Jenifer Knighton. According to those allegations, Knighton was accused of trafficking a person to a Mexican annexo, a type of rehabilitation facility in Mexico that has been associated with reports of human rights violations.

During that person’s time at the annexo, they allegedly met Perez, who was a minor at the time. Matthews became involved after the human trafficking allegations were brought to her attention.

Earlier this month, a protective order application was filed against Matthews.

During the hearing, Matthews’ attorneys argued that Judge Dianne Curvey of the 280th District Court should recuse herself from the case. The attorneys cited a prior judicial complaint filed by Matthews that they said resulted in sanctions.

In addition to the complaint, Matthews’ attorneys also raised concerns over Judge Curvey adding Dr. Matthews as an adverse witness in the judge’s personal protective order case involving the judge’s husband.

Judge Curvey did not recuse herself from the case. As a result, the recusal issue is now expected to be reviewed by the Harris County administrative judge.

Following the hearing, Matthews and her legal team spoke about the case and their concerns surrounding judicial impartiality.