Judge Accused Of Using Dead Mother's Name For Handicap Permit

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A Houston-area judge is under investigation for allegedly using her deceased mother's name to apply for a handicap-parking permit, Local 2 reported Thursday.

Harris County Justice of the Peace Betty Brock Bell applied for the permit in September, officials said.

County workers who took the application knew her mother was deceased, so they turned it over to the district attorney's office, according to authorities. The district attorney's office is investigating whether Bell obtained the handicap-parking permit illegally.

Bell has been on the bench for nearly 20 years. She won re-election to Precinct 7, Place 1 on Nov. 2. She was the first black woman to be elected as a justice of the peace in Harris County.

She was not at work Thursday when Local 2 requested an interview. The reporter and photographer were then asked to leave the premises.

"I've been requested by the judge to escort you out," a deputy told them.

"Are you asking us to leave?" Local 2's Phil Archer said. "Is the judge here? We were just told she wasn't here."

"I have no comment, sir," the deputy said.

Disabled Houstonians said it could be a big issue.

Laurie Gerken Redd is an administrator with the Independent Living Research Utilization Project.

"It really bothers me," Gerken Redd said. "For those of us who are legitimate users and who can't find a parking space, to have someone who uses it illegally, I find very offensive."

Sources told Local 2 that there is no evidence that Bell has a disability.

"If the allegations are true, it's particularly offensive because this person has a heightened expectation of trust," said Aaron McCullough, with the Independent Living Research Utilization Project.

Bell has not been charged, which would be a third-degree felony. The case is expected to go before a grand jury.

The district attorney's office would not comment on the allegation.