Ethics complaint filed against Ramos-Compean prosecutor

An ethics complaint has been filed with the Texas Bar Association against federal prosecutor Johnny Sutton, arguing that he willfully misled the jury to convict Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean.

The two were convicted of shooting a fleeing drug suspect and hiding evidence in a 2005 incident. A federal judge sentenced Compean to 12 years in prison and Ramos to 11 years. Appeals are pending in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The convictions caused a national firestorm. Critics have repeatedly called the prosecution unjustified and the sentences extreme.

In exchange for his testimony against the agents, the smuggler, Osvaldo Aldrete Davila, was given immunity from prosecution for trying to smuggle drugs the day he was shot. Jurors didn't get to hear evidence that Aldrete also smuggled marijuana into the United States several months after the shooting.

The complaint alleges Sutton's office misled the public and jury about Aldrete's subsequent arrest. Kentucky-based Christians Reviving America's Values filed the complaint.