BELL COUNTY, Texas — A lawyer who is running for District Attorney in Bell County is facing allegations that he assaulted a woman inside his law office last year, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by 6 News.
On Dec. 27, 2023, the Belton Police Department received a report that 56-year-old Kurt William Glass pushed a woman up against the wall after she tried to leave his law office at 408 N. Main St. and touched her breast, making "skin to skin" contact, the affidavit states.
Before that, the victim said Glass placed his left hand around her neck, pushed her up against the wall and made it hard for her to breathe. As a result, she received a "bruise and pain on her back shoulder" where she was pushed up against a picture frame hanging on the wall, the affidavit states.
The victim said she was able to remove his hand from her neck and tried to leave, but that's when Glass stopped her from doing so by blocking the doorway with his body, the affidavit states. Then, Glass reportedly pushed her up against the wall again and placed his hand under her shirt without her consent. The affidavit alleges that this may "have been for Mr. Glass's sexual gratification."
Glass was arrested on Jan. 8 at the Killeen Police Department. He has since bonded out. 6 News requested Glass' mugshot from KPD, but the assistant chief said they've had a policy in place not to release mugshots of people charged with misdemeanors.
6 News reached out to Glass's law office for comment on Friday, but we were told he's been in meetings all day. If and when Glass releases a statement, we will update this article.
This alleged crime happened in Bell County, but 6 News discovered that the county recused his case due to potential conflict of interest.
“The case was recused to avoid any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest on the part of Bell County," said Bell County spokesperson James Stafford.
Instead, the case was moved to McLennan County. McLennan County District Attorney Josh Tetens said the case is currently in the screening process.
Bell County Commissioner Louie Minor, the highest Democratic elected leader in the county, told 6 News he is aware of the allegations against Glass.
"In our justice system, you are innocent until proven guilty," Minor added. "These are very serious charges but I think he's entitled to his due process and that is what we are going through right now."
Minor said since the allegations have come to light, he has talked with Glass.
"Told me he intended to withdraw but I think that's an official process that you have to do that and obviously that process did not happen because he's still on the ballot," Minor said.
Glass is the only Democratic candidate running for Bell County District Attorney. Three candidates running in the Republican Primary released the following statements regarding the alleged assault:
"The charges against Kurt W. Glass are concerning, and the citizens of Bell County deserve to know the truth of the situation," said candidate James "J" Stapler (R). "Every person accused of a crime is entitled to the presumption of innocence, but I trust that the justice system will do its job in this case. I take all accusations of assault seriously, and have made combating it a major part of my campaign for Bell County District Attorney."
"First and foremost, it is essential to remember that in our justice system, everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty," said candidate Jeff Parker (R). "These are serious allegations, and they deserve to be addressed through the appropriate legal channels. I have the utmost confidence in McLennan County District Attorney Josh Teten and his office. I am confident that justice will be served in this case."
"As current First Assistant District Attorney in Bell County, I firmly believe that people need a strong criminal justice system in order to trust that justice will be served, a strong prosecutor heading any prosecutor’s office is essential to that process," said candidate Stephanie Newell (R). "I’ve been advocating for victims my entire 22 years as a prosecutor and I can only hope that the same will be done for all victims no matter the status or position of the accused."
As a member of the Democratic Party of Bell County, 6 News asked Minor if he thought it was right that someone with allegations like assault should be elected to positions like the county's District Attorney. He pointed out that Glass isn't the first person to be running for office with pending criminal allegations.
"Look at the higher level, look who is running for president and is the front runner for the Republican Party," Minor said. "Former President Trump. Four indictments, 91 criminal charges, sexual harassment criminal, civil charges and he's their front runner. So, if we take that standard then I would say yes."
Stay with 6 News as this story develops.