Press release
Henderson County District Attorney Scott McKee announced this week that he will not seek a third term as District Attorney and will instead file for the 392nd District Judge bench in the March 2016 Republican Primary. Current 392nd District Court Judge Carter Tarrance announced earlier this month that he would retire after more than 20 years of service on the bench once his term ends in 2016. Tarrance has held the position since his appointment in 1995 by then Governor George W. Bush.
McKee said it was an emotional decision for his family. “I love this job and the citizens and officers I serve. Judge Tarrance is an excellent judge and will be greatly missed. The toughest part is the thought of not serving as DA after next year. Over the years, I have met so many people and organizations around our county and have been blessed to work with the law enforcement community, Sheriff Ray Nutt and County Attorney Clint Davis in a synchronized fight against crime.”
McKee said serving as DA provides him with a unique perspective and understanding of the issues of the county. He indicated that he has been encouraged by many citizens to run since he learned of the possible retirement. McKee has practiced in the 392nd District Court as an assistant county attorney, assistant district attorney, civil and criminal defense attorney, and for the past seven years as District Attorney. He has seen and helped with many criminal charges and cases defense situations in his time in the role.
“I have handled thousands of cases throughout my career in every court in our county from traffic tickets in JP courts to capital murder in district court. Our county deserves a judge who is experienced, tough, and fair. I believe I have proven that time again as DA.”
McKee has held the DA post since 2009. In 2010, McKee, a Major in the Army reserves, deployed to Iraq as an infantry officer with the Louisiana National Guard. He spent nine months in Iraq, planning over 1,200 combat missions, participating in many of them. McKee was awarded the Bronze Star and the Louisiana War Cross for his performance in Iraq.
During his deployment, he continued to run the office with the help of internet and video technology. McKee credits 1st Assistant Mark Hall for the office’s success during his deployment and his two terms as DA.
McKee has great admiration for the citizens of the county for their support during his deployment. “I received so many prayers, letters, cards, and emails lending words of encouragement and support for the office, my family and my safety while I was gone and as DA. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer.”
Although he has not deployed since his return from Iraq in 2010, McKee has decided to retire from the reserves after almost 28 years of active and reserve military service.
McKee believes his life experience, time as a prosecutor, private practice attorney, and DA make him the right person for the bench. As District Attorney, McKee runs the largest law firm in Henderson County with eight lawyers, three investigators and six legal professionals. He oversees thousands of cases every year, including civil seizure cases, and every felony criminal case and CPS case in the county. He also personally provides guidance and legal advice in the investigation of all serious felony criminal offenses.
McKee believes the citizens of Henderson County deserve a judge they know and trust, proven and experienced in the courtroom and county government. “I’ve spent my entire adult life in public service fighting for justice and defending the Constitution in both the courtroom and on the battlefield. The safety and security of the citizens of our county will always be at the forefront of my mind as judge.”
McKee has made prosecuting child predators and drug dealers a top priority during his tenure. He also focused his efforts on aggressively prosecuting public corruption. “Over the past seven years all one has to do is look to the media to see the work we have done. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that when other DAs need someone to step in and do the challenging work in their county, they call us.” McKee and 1st Assistant Hall spent last week prosecuting a case in Anderson County.
McKee credits his wife Ashley for his success as DA. “She is the strongest woman I know.” Ashley and Scott met their first day of law school in an elevator. “I told a joke and she laughed. We have been inseparable since.” Ashley and Scott were both editors of the school’s Law Review. Ashley practices probate and family law, and is currently the vice president of the Eustace School Board. She is also the past chairperson of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Henderson County Hospital Authority Board, and is the past district chairperson for Boy Scouts of America. With her husband as judge, she could not practice in the 392nd Court according to McKee. Ashley does not handle criminal cases.
In addition to his military awards, Scott has received numerous awards for his service as a lawyer and prosecutor, including the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal, 2010 Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Difference Maker of the Year, “BEST ATTORNEY” by the readers of the Athens Review in 2007 and 2010, and the 2011 Hope Award of the East Texas Crisis Center for advocating for the rights and protection of women and children.
McKee also spends time teaching police officers criminal law, and has written and testified on many bills in the legislature aimed at fighting crime and protecting children.
Ashley and Scott live on Cedar Creek Lake and have three boys. Scott is currently the P.A. announcer of the Eustace Bulldog Football team. He also coaches youth select travel baseball and football, and is a Rotarian, Kiwanian, former Family Peace Project board member, Adjunct professor of legal research and writing, and YMCA executive board member.