HOUSTON -- The trial of a Harris County criminal judge accused of official oppression got under way Monday.
Judge Donald Jackson allegedly asked a defendant for sexual favors in exchange for dismissing her case.
The woman, 27-year-old Ariana Venegas, appeared in Jackson's court last February on a DWI charge.
A few hours later they met at a Pappadeaux’s restaurant where Jackson allegedly told Venegas he was interested in a relationship with her.
In opening statements, prosecutors insist the judge knew exactly what he was doing and that it was wrong.
Defense attornies said the judge was dealing with prostate cancer and was vulnerable. They said Jackson, who is married, "stupidly put his heart on the table" for the former strip club waitress.
Harris County District Attorney Investigator Dan McAnulty wore a wire and secretly recorded a conversation with the judge about Venegas. The jury of 4 women and 3 men will hear the tape Tuesday. They will also hear from Venegas.
