Smith County Justice

by David Ellsworth

The non-fiction book Smith County Justice was written as an exposé of governmental corruption in the East Texas town of Tyler, the county seat of Smith County. Its publication sent shock waves through the political machine of the city of Tyler which then devised a plan for damage control. Shortly after its publication great pressure was brought upon the publisher to remove the book from circulation. The guilty authorities in Smith County have never acknowledged the evil of their ways or expressed remorse for the lives they ruined. Instead, legal and public relations firms have been engaged to mount a campaign to watch the used book markets for any used copies that might appear. Whenever such copies are found they are usually bought at whatever price is required and destroyed. As a result, used copies today have become rare and expensive. Eventually, almost all original printed editions can be expected to disappear.

Genres: True Crime

686 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

I have searched for inspiration in all parts of the world. My residences have included England, Italy, France, Honduras, the U.S., Mexico.

I have found peace in a small village in Mexico and spend my time writing there.

I believe in justice and that inspired my most successful book. I am fascinated with the concept of time and that inspired Micah's Mountain. I am intrigued with people who take great chances in life and that inspired Shanghai Diary.

I believe writing is an extension of the soul and I like to go there sometimes to see what I have left.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is difficult to place high on your reading priority list. It needs editing, badly, and reads like it's written by a person with a personal vendetta to wreak vengeance on the justice system. It's so shocking that you wouldn't believe it could possibly be true. Unfortunately, I believe every word. I resided in Smith County for 12 years; long enough to know minority youth that were tried and treated unjustly, officials that were caught in scandals, and even one acquaintance that died "mysteriously" while in the jail. It's a community overtly proud of it's Christian heritage, yet either completely unaware that these things are occurring, or turning a blind eye so as to not be witness to such tragedies. Before discovering this book, I did lots of research on Smith County while trying to aid a young man that had been incarcerated. I found an exposé by The Houston Chronicle from 1990 of Judge Jack Skeen Jr. and the corruption within his court. Additionally, there are numerous articles and blogs committed to enlightening the world on the injustices occurring in this beautiful town. As of today, 2016, Jack Skeen is still a presiding judge in Smith County. Why would a good, Christian community allow this man to remain in office, unopposed?
The events in Smith County Justice take place before Jack Skeen arrived in office, yet I recognized many of the names; people still engaged in the community. It's shocking that nothing has changed. I purchased this copy, easily on Amazon, from Open Seas Press. I encourage all my Tyler friends to read this, start discussion groups and educate themselves. Take action.

For unknown reasons, this story has been stifled in the press, but the villain in the story was rewarded with a million dollar blockbuster for telling their story. Just another injustice.
I will be sharing my copy.

I will also be getting active within my current county. These injustices are not isolated to one town. I'm convinced of that. Corruption occurs at every level.

[Renee Carlucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's lots of dirty laundry in this tale. I'm not shocked by the drug usage of undercover narcs, but by all the other failings of the justice system told here. Notably, the stashing and the obvious Brady violations.

[Ashley Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book wrote by a very brave man. Perfect example of corrupt thugs in Texas.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting investigative work on corrupt narcs and cops in texas, but lots of yapping that could've edited down

[Rebecca Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. This is one shady area but totally read worthy. I wish someone would make a series out of it. I feel bad for the late Creig Matthews. This was his story and KW screwed him out of the RUSH deal and then DE did the same on this one.

[Wakeupandmove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome, brave book and author
Great eye-opener about the corruption in Smith County. I did not give it five stars only because there's so much more to be said about Smith County and especially Tyler Texas

[Kevin O'Rourke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A startling tale of corruption. This book has been "suppressed" and it's now subsequently being disseminated by Wikileaks.