HOUSTON (AP) — A judge in Houston has been barred from hearing a neighboring county's cases in a dispute over a shoplifting charge against a friend's daughter.

First Court of Appeals Justice Jim Sharp apologized Tuesday. Sharp attorney Brian Wice says his client will cooperate with any inquiry.

The Houston Chronicle (http://bit.ly/y8Y17g ) reports Sharp faces allegations of trying to use his influence to help a friend's 15-year-old daughter. The girl was arrested Jan. 17 for allegedly shoplifting nearly $190 worth of merchandise.

Brazoria County District Attorney Jeri Yenne alleges Sharp attempted to improperly demand the juvenile's release and sent inappropriate texts and voice messages to county employees.

Yenne filed a complaint with the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and asked that Sharp be recused from Brazoria County cases. The appeals court agreed Friday.

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Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com

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