A Texas judge is under fire for granting bond to a violent robbery suspect in direct violation of state legislation designed to keep dangerous criminals behind bars.

Harris County's 351st Criminal District Court Judge Natalia Cornelio allowed Jared Wilson, who pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, to walk free on a personal recognizance bond. Her decision directly contradicts the Damon Allen Act, also known as Texas Senate Bill 6, which Governor Greg Abbott signed into law in 2021, according to Fox26.

The legislation specifically targets bail proceedings for criminals accused of violent offenses, including aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. Since Wilson's release on deferred probation, he has accumulated two additional felony charges for possession of a prohibited weapon and tampering with evidence.

Secret Medical Transport Sparks Investigation

This marks the second controversial decision by Judge Cornelio within recent months. Prosecutors revealed she secretly arranged a medical procedure for death row inmate Ronald Lee Haskell last year without proper notification to authorities.

The sealed orders showed Cornelio had Haskell transported from a high-security unit to a private medical facility for an MRI on July 30. Photos submitted to the Harris County District Attorney's Office revealed Haskell entering a waiting room with regular civilians during the unauthorized visit.

The DA's office only learned of the alleged transport after one of Haskell's surviving victims received notification through the state's automatic victim notification system. Haskell was convicted in 2014 for murdering six family members, including four children.

Legal Experts Question Judicial Conduct

A formal complaint was filed against Cornelio with the State Commission on Judicial Conduct following the Haskell incident. She was subsequently removed from the death row inmate's case due to the procedural violations.

Criminal District Court Judge Chuck Silverman indicated that Cornelio's latest bond decision could result in another complaint to the judicial commission. While unable to comment on specific cases, Silverman noted that judges who abuse discretion or fail to follow the law can face formal complaints.

Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers of Houston emphasized the severity of violating Senate Bill 6. He stated that the law eliminated most violent crimes, including aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, from being eligible for personal recognizance bonds.

Judge's Background and Career Philosophy

Cornelio, who also goes by "Nata," describes herself as a bilingual Mexican-American who became a lawyer to ensure equal access to legal protections. According to her re-election website, she has witnessed firsthand how lower-income and minority communities are disproportionately impacted by the justice system.

Throughout her career, she has regularly represented Spanish-speaking clients who otherwise would not have had an attorney who spoke their language. She attended New York University and the University of Chicago Law School before establishing her legal practice.

Cornelio currently lives in Houston with her husband and a dog named "Biggie Smalls." Her judicial philosophy centers on making a difference and helping ensure all communities have equal access to legal protections under the law.

Why This Story Matters

This story matters because it raises serious questions about accountability in the courtroom and the consequences when laws designed to protect the public are not upheld. The judge’s decisions in this case and others have affected not only legal outcomes but also community trust. When violent offenders are released despite legal prohibitions, it risks eroding confidence in the justice system meant to serve everyone fairly and safely.

Jared Wilson's release on a PR bond—and the subsequent felonies he was charged with while free—represent far more than just a lapse in judgment. It suggests systemic vulnerabilities when state law is not enforced uniformly, especially in cases involving violent crimes.

In conclusion, Judge Natalia Cornelio’s recent decision to grant a PR bond to Jared Wilson, a convicted violent offender, defied Texas law and has become the center of a growing controversy. This event follows a previous incident involving her role in facilitating private medical care for death row inmate Ronald Lee Haskell, further calling her judicial practices into question. Community leaders and legal authorities are urging formal review processes as public concern mounts over safety, legality, and the future of equitable justice.