Mike Bennett Reprimanded

Goliad County Judge Mike Bennett was reprimanded by the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct after personally interfering with law enforcement's execution of a warrant to seize mistreated, starving cattle. On May 26, 2021, Goliad County constables, a Brazoria County livestock deputy, and a Houston Humane Society animal cruelty team were loading cattle into trailers at two properties under a warrant a Goliad County Justice of the Peace had issued the day before. Bennett arrived at both properties and told workers to stop loading the cattle until he could "figure out what was going on," and admitted to the Commission that he called the issuing Justice of the Peace twice asking her to recall the warrant.

Bennett said the cattle belonged to a recently deceased man whose estate had a hearing scheduled in Bennett's own court the following week, and that he was trying to protect the estate's property. On August 16, 2023, the Commission reviewed the allegations and recommended a public reprimand against Bennett for interfering with the lawful service of the seizure warrant.