Friday, April 26, 2024
Republican Party Chair Nathan Criswell announced his resignation this week shortly after a judge issued an ex parte protective order requiring him to stay away from his home, his estranged wife and their two young daughters.
As of press time Friday, Criswell had not been arrested or charged with any crime.
An ex parte protective order is a temporary protective order issued by a court in emergency situations before a formal hearing can be held.
The formal hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday in the 355th district court.
Attorney Melinda Owens, who is representing Criswell’s wife, Jeannylee Figueroa Morales, in both the protective order and the divorce that was filed a few days after the alleged incident said that District Judge Ralph Walton issued the order.
Owens said that Morales has been seen by a doctor. She also stated that Morales and her daughters, ages 2 1/2 and 14 months, have been staying at a secure location rather than at the family’s home, despite Criswell’s court-ordered departure from the residence.
She said that the ex parte protective order was served to Criswell by a constable.
Attorney Rob Christian, who is representing Criswell, provided this statement to the HCN late Thursday afternoon:
“Nathan Criswell’s wife admitted under oath that earlier this month she assaulted her husband. She alleged that he assaulted her, too. Everyone, including Nathan, has a right to self defense. Nathan has cooperated fully with law enforcement and submitted to an interview. He understands that the matter is under review. Neither party has been arrested.”
Lt. Johnny Rose with the Hood County Sheriff’s Office told the HCN that the case has been sent to the district attorney’s office for review.
Owens noted that a 911 call did not occur during the incident because, according to Morales, Criswell confiscated her cell phone.
Owens said that Criswell left the residence but later returned and gave the cell phone back to his wife as she was leaving with their daughters.
The lawyer said that the ex parte protective order is
Elections Administrator Crickett Miller said that, had Criswell stayed on and sought election to the post, his name would have appeared on the March 2020 Republican primary ballot.
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a civil matter, not a criminal one. She said she does not know whether Criswell might ultimately be arrested.
Morales, 27, is a teacher for Granbury ISD. Superintendent Jeremy Glenn said that she has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons.
District Clerk Tonna Hitt said that Criswell announced his resignation at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Hood County Republican Executive Committee.
Criswell told the HCN that his resignation became effective on Friday.
The 30-year-old party activist was tapped by the Republican Executive Committee in January to take over as party chair following the resignation of Jim Logan.
Party chairs are elected positions.
