Ryan K. Patrick, Prosecutorial Misconduct, Texas 2018

HOUSTON, TX – In a shocking turn of events, Ryan K. Patrick has been sworn in as the 23rd United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX), the seventh largest district in the nation.

Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal administered the oath of office to Patrick at 8:45 a.m. today, amidst an audience of federal court personnel, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and staff.

Patrick, a Houston native, was nominated by President Trump on November 2, 2017, and unanimously confirmed by the full Senate on December 20, 2017, following a recommendation by U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.

Patrick’s career has been marked by controversy, including a stint as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County, where he was responsible for prosecuting narcotics trafficking cases and illegal pill mill operations.

In 2012, Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed Patrick as a judge at the 177th state district court, a position he held until 2014. Prior to his current role, Patrick was in private practice, serving as the managing partner of The Law Office of Ryan Patrick PLLC and senior counsel with HooverSlovacek LLC, where he focused on felony criminal defense work.

As the U.S. Attorney for the SDTX, Patrick will be responsible for overseeing a vast territory, covering 44,000 square miles and representing 43 counties, with a population of over 8.3 million people. The district comprises seven U.S. District Court divisions, with federal district courts in Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo.

With his swearing-in, Patrick has taken on a daunting task, as Chief Judge Rosenthal noted that the SDTX is not an easy district, citing its unique challenges due to geography, time, and politics.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s office stated that further information on a possible media availability will be provided at a later date.

Patrick’s appointment has raised eyebrows, particularly given his controversial past and the challenges he will face in leading the SDTX. Only time will tell if he is up to the task.