Wife and Daughter of Texas Judge Seen in 'Video Beating' Speak Out About Past Abuse
Mother Says She was 'Completely Brainwashed and Controlled'
The daughter seen in a video getting a beating at the hands of her father, a Texas Court-at-Law judge, has spoken out about why she waited seven years to release the footage, which observers have described as abusive.
"It was a feeling. I knew that the right time was approaching and I held onto the video for so long for the right time," Hillary Adams said in an interview with KZTV-10 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
"Waiting this long to publish it has enabled me to look at it with hindsight and not be so caught up in the passion of the moment," she said, adding that the video will allow her and her mother, Hallie Adams, to recover from the abuse they claim they endured for several years.
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Although Hallie Adams is seen participating in the beating caught on video, she claims that she was also a victim of the judge's abuse.
Appearing on the "Today" show with her daughter, Hallie was asked how she could participate in the apparent abuse.
"My answer to you and to the world is something that I've been hiding for a very long time. It's a family secret, and that's addiction," she said, referring to Judge Adams' abusive behavior.
"I lived in an environment of dysfunction and it steadily got worse," she said.
Hallie also said that she attempted to leave her husband when Hillary was only 6 months old, but said "he shamed me into going back."
"I was completely brainwashed and controlled. I did every single thing he did."
Despite the severe beating seen in the video, it is unlikely that criminal charges will develop, according to Terry Collins, a criminal defense attorney based in Rockport, Texas, where Judge Adams lives.
"Unfortunately, nothing will come of it because it exceeds the statute of limitations," which is 5 years for child abuse, Collins told The Christian Post.
Despite the statute of limitations, Collins said Adams' reputation has been severely damaged and his prospects of re-election diminished.
"It's the number one topic down here and everybody's talking about it," Collins said. "It will definitely effect [Adam's] re-election. Most definitely."
According to Aransas County Administrative Judge Burt Mills, Judge Adams has been temporarily relieved of his duties. "
When KRIS-TV asked Mills how long, he replied: "Don't know yet but he'll not take the bench for awhile."
Judge Adams, however, said he sees no need for disciplinary action.
"In my mind I have not done anything wrong other than discipline my child when she was caught stealing," he said. "I did lose my temper, I've apologized.. it looks worse than it is."
The beating with a leather belt was provoked by Hillary illegally downloading games from the Internet.
