Candidate Cooper sued for 2005 sexual assault

**Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Montgomery County Commissioner John Cooper Weeks Before Runoff Election**

CONROE, TX – A civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault has been filed against Montgomery County Commissioner John Cooper, a leading candidate for Montgomery County Judge, just weeks before his highly anticipated Republican primary runoff election. The suit, filed by a woman identified as “Jane Doe,” claims Cooper sexually assaulted her in 2005 when she was 15 years old.

The lawsuit, filed in Montgomery County District Court (Case No. [**Insert Placeholder Case Number Here, e.g., 24-05-XXXXX**]), alleges the incident occurred at Cooper’s home in The Woodlands. According to the complaint, “Jane Doe,” now 36, was a freshman at The Woodlands High School at the time of the alleged assault. She claims that after a night of drinking, Cooper took her phone, locked her inside his home, subjected her to sexual harassment, and then sexually assaulted her. The lawsuit further alleges that Cooper stalked her in the aftermath of the incident. “Jane Doe” is seeking monetary damages.

Commissioner Cooper, who previously served as chairman of The Woodlands Township, has vehemently denied all allegations. In a statement issued following the lawsuit’s filing, Cooper called the claims “categorically false.” He described the legal action as a “political smear” and an act of “extortion” orchestrated by his political opponents to influence the upcoming election. Cooper reiterated his denial of ever sexually assaulting anyone.

The lawsuit’s filing comes as Cooper is locked in a tight race against incumbent County Judge Mark Keough. The Republican primary runoff election is scheduled for May 28, making the timing of the lawsuit a significant factor in the political landscape of Montgomery County. The winner of the runoff will proceed to the general election in November.

The civil suit was filed under the provisions of Texas House Bill 3241, also known as the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights. This landmark legislation, which became effective in 2019, allows survivors of sexual assault to file civil lawsuits regardless of the traditional statute of limitations if the alleged assault occurred when the plaintiff was a minor. This provision significantly expands the window for victims to seek justice in civil court for past abuses.

Cooper is a well-known figure in Montgomery County politics, having served as a County Commissioner for Precinct 1 since 2018. His campaign for County Judge has focused on issues of fiscal conservatism and local governance. The allegations, and Cooper’s strong denial, are expected to be a dominant topic of discussion leading up to the runoff election.

As a civil case, the lawsuit will proceed through the legal system independently of any criminal investigation, though no criminal charges have been publicly filed in connection with the alleged 2005 incident. The legal process for civil suits involves discovery, potential mediation, and, if unresolved, a trial where a judge or jury would determine the facts and assign liability.

This is a developing story, and [**Local Media Outlet Name**] will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Court documents related to the lawsuit can be accessed through the Montgomery County District Clerk’s office.

—
**Note:** For actual publication, replace “[**Insert Placeholder Case Number Here, e.g., 24-05-XXXXX**]” with the actual case number once it is identified from court records. A link to the court’s public access portal or the bill text (HB 3241) could also be integrated if desired by the publisher.