Gilliam recuses herself from animal shelter case

Falls County District Attorney Jody Gilliam on March 5 filed with the 82nd District Judge, Bryan Russ Jr., to recuse her office from the case against the three individuals charged in the Marlin animal shelter case.

Russ appointed Robertson County District Attorney Coty Siegert to handle the prosecution.

Gilliam decided to recuse her office to avoid the appearance of impropriety because of the working relationship between her office and the police department.

The Texas Rangers ended their months long investigation into allegations at the Marlin Animal Shelter last week. Marlin Police Chief James Hommel, Robert Thomas, and animal control officer Nicole Grams were arrested and charged with a felony count of cruelty to non-livestock animals, torture, and abandonment last week.

The Marlin City Council voted to suspend Hommel for put to six months with pay pending the outcome of the case in a meeting on March 3.

A Facebook post in January of 2024 about the conditions and treatment of dogs at the Marlin Animal Control Center sparked concern from residents leading to an eventual investigation by the Texas Rangers.

The photos showed graphic and disturbing images of the dogs that appeared to be malnourished.