Lubbock County, Texas – Justice of the Peace Susan Rowley has publicly accused County Judge Curtis Parrish of making unwanted sexual advances toward her during 2024. Rowley first shared her allegations on the local Facebook page Lubbock Lampoon, stating that the incidents occurred over roughly a month while she was dealing with personal grief.
Details of the alleged encounters
Rowley, who has served alongside Parrish since both took office in January 2019, described a friendship that developed through years of working together. She said she would often visit Parrish’s office after court proceedings, seeking a friendly conversation. “If I’d had something great happen in court or something interesting happen in court, I’d go see him. He’d talk to me, you know, out in the parking lot or wherever, in the halls. He was just a really good friend that I trusted,” Rowley told KCBD.
According to Rowley, the first encounter took place in August 2024, shortly after her brother passed away. She said Parrish gave her a “big, huge hug” that felt comforting at the time. About a week later, she returned to his office seeking further support. Rowley alleges that Parrish closed his office door, hugged her, and kissed her on the mouth. She said, “I was surprised, but I’m humiliated to say this, but I kissed him back. In retrospect, I don’t know why.”
A third visit, she claims, resulted in another hug and kiss, followed by Parrish touching her through her clothing and placing his hand on his crotch. “That was way out of bounds. There’s nothing that I have ever said to him or implied to him or anything to him that I would want anything to do with him sexually – ever,” Rowley said.
Response from County Judge Curtis Parrish
Parrish has denied the allegations, calling them “preposterous” and stating he has no comment beyond that characterization. He has not filed a formal response with the county or law enforcement at this time.
Legal and procedural context
Rowley indicated she did not report the incidents to human resources, believing no action would be taken, and she has not filed a police report or pursued a court action. She described Parrish as “the most powerful man in the county,” suggesting a perceived power imbalance that may have contributed to her hesitation.
County officials have not announced any formal investigation or disciplinary process. The Lubbock County Commissioners Court typically handles complaints involving county officers, and any potential investigation would likely be overseen by the County Attorney’s Office.
Community reaction
The allegations have sparked conversation among local residents and civic groups concerned about workplace conduct and the appropriate handling of complaints against elected officials. Some community members have called for a transparent inquiry, while others have urged patience until a full fact‑finding process is completed.
Local advocacy organizations that focus on government accountability have offered resources for individuals who feel unsafe reporting misconduct, emphasizing the importance of clear reporting channels and protection against retaliation.
Next steps
Rowley’s public statement may prompt the county to review its internal policies on harassment and the mechanisms for reporting concerns involving high‑ranking officials. Observers will be watching for any official statements from the County Judge’s office, the County Attorney, or the Commissioners Court regarding potential investigative actions.
As the story develops, residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and official county communications.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
