A federal civil rights lawsuit has officially been filed against Midland County Judge Terry Johnson by Christino Rodriquez, better known online as “Nino America.”
In a story covered last week, County Judge Johnson doxxed the absolute heck out of Nino America, publishing his SSN, driver's license number, date of birth, and address. Johnson also labeled Nino America as a "convicted felon."
Nino is represented by Dhillon Law Group, including former FEC Commissioner Trey Trainor.
For a guy the county judge treated like a nobody, Nino America sure lawyers up like a somebody.
In a press release from Dhillon Law Group, the firm alleges that Judge Johnson used his official position to access confidential government records to disclose a citizen’s private information.
“This lawsuit is about far more than politics or a disagreement between two individuals. At its core, it asks whether a government official can use the authority and access of public office to retaliate against a citizen for engaging in constitutionally protected speech.”
“A Social Security number cannot simply be ‘taken back’ once it has been exposed to the internet. The harm can last a lifetime. … [N]o public official is above the law, and when government power is allegedly used to punish a citizen for exercising constitutional rights, the courts remain the place where accountability is demanded and the rule of law is preserved.”
Faced with the allegations and calls for his resignation, County Judge Terry Johnson has refused to resign.
The county’s proposed FY2026 budget helps explain the attachment. It has Johnson down for $130,600 in base pay, a $25,199.98 state supplement, travel money, and a $1,919.84 cell phone allowance, about $166,320 all in. It even pencils in a raise.
And yes, the cell phone. Midland taxpayers fund Judge Johnson’s Facebook machine.
You’d stay too.
Additionally, Midland resident and ISD Trustee Brandon Hodges has retained a lawyer to consider state-level proceedings against Johnson.
The foundations of unrighteousness are laid by the lawyers and judges.
More local government corruption in Texas. It's rampant.