Texas' Chief Bankruptcy Judge's Secret Romance with Attorney Puts Major Cases Under Scrutiny

David Jones resigned from his post as chief bankruptcy judge for the Southern District of Texas following revelations of an undisclosed romantic relationship with bankruptcy attorney Elizabeth Freeman. Judge Jones's resignation means the more than 3,000 cases he oversaw will be redistributed to other judges. His involvement as mediator in the Tehum settlement could allow creditors to object to the proposed deal. The bankruptcy case and settlement involving Corizon subsidiary Tehum may now face renewed legal challenges over Judge Jones's undisclosed conflict of interest in the matter.