Legal Ethics

Ex-prosecutor is disbarred for his role in capital murder conviction of innocent man

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A former Texas prosecutor has been disbarred for his role in convicting an innocent man of capital murder.

In a Thursday ruling, a State Bar of Texas grievance committee panel ordered former Burleson County District Attorney Charles Sebesta Jr. to give up his law license.

The panel found that Sebesta failed to provide exculpatory evidence to the defense and presented false testimony to win the conviction of Anthony Graves. Graves served 18 years and twice was scheduled for execution before he was exonerated and released four years ago.

A Houston Chronicle article provides more details and links to the ruling. A 2010 Texas Monthly article provides more details about Graves’ case.

The newspaper could not immediately reach Sebesta for comment.

Related coverage:

ABAJournal.com: “Prosecutors Blast Ex-DA in ‘Nightmare’ Case of Innocent Man Jailed 18 Years”

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