Austin, TX – A high-ranking prosecutor in Travis County is facing serious charges after allegedly threatening his roommate with a loaded gun during a heated argument that began over difficulties streaming pornography on their television.
Assistant District Attorney Joseph Francis Frederick III, 51, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following the incident at their shared apartment in West Austin on June 7.
According to court documents, the altercation began early in the morning when Frederick woke his roommate, seeking help to fix an issue with streaming porn on the TV.
After resolving the technical problem, Frederick reportedly accused his roommate of making flirtatious gestures towards a guest at their home earlier. This accusation led to a verbal confrontation, with the roommate feeling insulted by the implication that he was behaving promiscuously.
The situation quickly escalated. Frustrated and angry, Frederick accused his roommate of making “googly eyes” at the guest, which the roommate interpreted as being called a “hoe.” The verbal sparring intensified, resulting in Frederick attempting to force his way into the roommate’s locked bedroom, causing significant damage to the door. To avoid further conflict, the roommate retreated to his room and locked the door.
However, the conflict did not end there. When the roommate eventually opened his door to use the bathroom, he was met with an alarming sight: Frederick was standing in the hallway, allegedly pointing a silver revolver at him.
According to the arrest affidavit, Frederick then raised the gun to the man’s face and threatened to shoot him, saying, “I’ll shoot you.” The affidavit further states that Frederick accused the roommate of being a danger to himself and everyone around him.
In fear for his life, the roommate began recording the encounter on his phone. The footage, later reviewed by the police, shows Frederick walking around the apartment with the gun and angrily commanding his roommate to “Get the f*** out.”
This evidence was crucial in establishing the seriousness of the threat. The weapon, identified as a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 Special with five hollow point rounds, was confiscated by authorities at the scene.
Defense attorney Ty Cardenas Wittgenstein, who has nearly a decade of experience as a prosecutor with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, commented on the gravity of the situation. “It’s a huge deal. It’s a huge deal,” Wittenstein said. She emphasized that such a serious crime, particularly involving a firearm, would likely result in significant professional consequences for Frederick.
“I can’t imagine him being allowed to keep his job,” she added. Wittgenstein pointed out that this incident is especially poignant because Frederick, as a prosecutor, is supposed to uphold the law and maintain public trust. His alleged actions have now questioned his ability to fulfill those responsibilities.
Frederick’s arrest and the subsequent legal proceedings have placed considerable strain on the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Not only does the office face the logistical challenge of reassigning Frederick’s cases, but it must also appoint a special prosecutor from outside the county to handle the case to avoid any conflicts of interest.
“It’s really unfortunate and sad for everyone involved,” Wittgenstein remarked, highlighting the emotional and professional impact on the tight-knit legal community. She noted that the reassignment of Frederick’s cases would add to the workload of his colleagues, already burdened with heavy caseloads.
The incident has shocked the local community, raising questions about the behavior of those in positions of legal authority and the potential ramifications for Frederick’s career and the integrity of the District Attorney’s Office.
It also brings to light the challenges faced by law enforcement and the judicial system in addressing allegations against their members. The need for an impartial investigation and the appointment of an external prosecutor underscore the seriousness with which such allegations are treated.
Despite the severity of the charges, Frederick was released from the Travis County Jail on Sunday after posting a $10,000 bail.
The District Attorney’s Office issued a brief statement: “Our office will be reviewing the information on the case, and we do not have any further comment at this time.” This statement, while expected, reflects the cautious approach the office must take in handling the matter, given the potential conflicts of interest and the high-profile nature of the case.
No injuries were reported in the altercation, and the investigation is ongoing. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for personal conflicts to escalate into dangerous confrontations, even among those tasked with upholding the law.
It also highlights the importance of accountability and transparency within the judicial system, ensuring that all individuals are held to the same legal standards regardless of their position.
The community’s reaction has been one of shock and concern. Many residents are troubled by the fact that someone in a position of legal authority could be involved in such a violent incident.
This case has prompted discussions about the pressures faced by legal professionals and the measures needed to prevent similar incidents. It also raises questions about the support systems for legal professionals dealing with personal and professional stress.
As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on ensuring a fair and thorough examination of the facts. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Frederick’s career and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining ethical standards and the potential consequences of failing. The legal community and the public will watch closely as this case unfolds, seeking justice and accountability.
