FANNIN COUNTY, Texas (KXII) - Outgoing Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham has filed a response to a petition that could lead to a lawsuit against him, former District Attorney Richard Glaser, and the county, claiming both men have "official immunity" for actions taken during their time in office.

The response comes after commissioners Allen "AJ" Self and Dean Lackey, along with two other petitioners, filed a Texas Rule 202 petition in July seeking to investigate dropped felony theft charges tied to the Fannin County courthouse restoration project.

Background on the caseIn 2024, the Fannin County District Attorney's Office charged former Judge Creta Lynn "Spanky" Carter, commissioners Self and Lackey, and architects involved in the courthouse restoration project with felony theft.