PROSECUTOR IN GRAVES CASE DISBARRED
The former district attorney who sent Anthony Graves to prison for 18 years, 16 on death row, has been disbarred.
Former Burleson County District Attorney Charles Sebesta Jr. lost his law license after an administrative hearing into Graves' case by the disciplinary panel of the State Bar Association
Twice Graves was scheduled for execution before he was freed from prison four years ago for the 1992 murders of six members of a Burleson County family.
Robert Carter was convicted in 1993 and executed in 2000 for the crimes, but not before he admitted he was the lone killer, exonerating Graves of any involvement.
In a ruling issued Thursday, the disciplinary panel found that Sebesta failed to provide a number of items of exculpatory evidence to the defense during Graves' trial; presented false testimony to the jury; made a false statement of material fact to the trial judge; and engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.
The bar complaint against Sebesta was filed by Graves, said his complaint was an attempt to correct the criminal justice system and not a personal vendetta against Sebesta.
Laura Popps, deputy counsel for the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel, said in a news release, "Mr. Sebesta's disbarment cannot begin to make up for what happened to Anthony Graves, but we hope it can bring him some sense of justice.”
"Whether it is prosecutorial misconduct or other serious allegations of attorney misconduct, our office remains committed to holding lawyers accountable for their actions and obtaining sanctions that protect both the public and the legal profession."
Sebesta could not be reached for comment.
Mr. Carter was not a selfish man he gave all a version of what happened, telling the Texas Rangers Graves was there, telling others he was not there, then he lied about that in court when he said Graves was there, made a written statement, then just before his execution he said Graves was not there, so you can take your choice, all from someone who was convicted of murdering 4 kids and 2 ladies then setting the house on fire.
Charles made some mistakes, and some tactical errors. He was NOT there when Carter said Graves had nothing to do with the burning. but there were others who were there and heard him say that. What Carter said was well known because he said it to all who were at his execution but Charles Sebesta was not there and he could have told the court that he heard “this” and let it find it’s own course as a statement from a convicted murderer.
No one is perfect, but it is hard for me to believe Charles Sebesta, knowingly and willingly tried to convict an innocent man.
From what I have gleaned mostly from news reports and FaceBook posts of friends who know him, Anthony Graves seems to have stepped from his nightmare into a world that he is trying to make a better place.
It amazes me that he is not filled full of hate and anger after what he was put through. I would certainly be seeking revenge. Instead, he’s trying to have a positive impact and make changes that benefit everyone.
I’m glad that he got some justice in this.
Couldn’t have said it better, Stephanie. Wish their was further punishment for Sebesta.
Very well said Stephanie. Anthony’s actions amaze me. He is trying to give back to the community and to help young people who have made mistakes to not get caught up in the system but to be able to have and to see their options for turning their lives around.
Stephanie, you summed it up beautifully. While Anthony Graves could have been bitter and vindictive, he chose the higher road. It makes me feel so sad that someone in a position of power chose to ignore information for the sake of a conviction. Mr Graves, I applaud your behavior!