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Friday, March 29, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Barred From Church, Defendant Sues Judge

DALLAS (CN) - A Texas judge is unconstitutionally banning a criminal defendant from attending religious services at his church as he awaits trial, the man claims in court.

Antonio Herrera sued Dallas County in Dallas County Court on Monday.

He claims Judge Jennifer Balido of the 291st District Court entered an order on March 7 barring him from attending religious services.

As a condition of bond, Herrera was also ordered to wear an electronic monitoring device and not to have contact with anyone younger than 18, according to an amended bond order from March 19.

Herrera, of Denton County, is charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault in Dallas County and one count of indecency by contact in Denton County, according to court records.

"Plaintiff has entered a plea of not guilty to the allegations, and has steadfastly denied, and continues to deny, that the allegations have any basis in fact," the 9-page complaint states.

"The allegations against Mr. Herrera have nothing to do with any charges relating to or stemming from his relationship with any member of his church or religious community."

Herrera claims he is a deacon in his church and that he wishes to participate in church activities, preach and attend religious services while awaiting trial.

"The court's order has violated, and continues to violate, plaintiff's right to the free exercise of his religion, which 'unquestionably encompasses the right to preach, proselyt[iz]e, and perform other similar religious functions,'" the complaint states.

"By entering a 'no church' order that had the effect of barring plaintiff from attending religious services, the defendant ... has restricted plaintiff from preaching in violation of plaintiff's right to free exercise, a right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States

Herrera seeks actual damages, an injunction and declaratory relief for violations of the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment. He is represented by Jason Niehaus in Denton and K.C. Ashmore in Rockwall.

Ashmore said he and Niehaus will "continue to take every step necessary" to protect Herrera's legal and constitutional rights.

"We feel this is an unreasonable and inappropriate restriction of his (or any other person's) free exercise rights," Ashmore said in an email to Courthouse News.

Judge Balido could not be reached for comment Tuesday evening.

Follow @davejourno
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