SAN ANTONIO – A Bexar County judge on Wednesday agreed to some terms for James Cotter, the longtime business partner of Brad Simpson, including the removal of a GPS monitor.
Cotter was formally charged in December 2024 in connection with the case of the missing Olmos Park mother, Suzanne Clark Simpson. She disappeared on Oct. 6, 2024.
He is facing charges of tampering with evidence with the intent to impair an investigation and possession of prohibited weapons.
>> One year later: What we know about Suzanne Simpson’s disappearance
Cotter’s legal team had previously suggested the removal during his last hearing on Sept. 17; however, Judge Joel Perez denied the request.
On Wednesday, Cotter’s attorney again requested the removal, putting it bluntly to Perez: “He’s not going anywhere. He has extensive ties to the community.”
You can watch the Wednesday morning hearing in the video player below:
After obtaining the state’s approval, Perez granted the removal request and stated that Cotter could not obtain a passport. All other aspects of his bond remain the same.
Cotter is not allowed to have contact with Brad Simpson, Perez said.
The state said it had gathered all its evidence and passed it on to the defense.
As for Brad Simpson, his trial date is tentatively scheduled to start on Feb. 13, 2026, with a pre-trial set for January 2026.
Background:
Cotter was indicted by a grand jury on two charges, including tampering with evidence with the intent to impair an investigation and possession of prohibited weapons, according to Bexar County jail records.
Cotter posted bond on Nov. 8, 2024, after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $100,000. His attorney had asked a judge to reduce his bond after claiming it was unconstitutional.
Cotter is accused of helping Brad Simpson hide an AK-47 that was illegally modified. Authorities said the firearm was modified into a “machine gun,” which was not correctly registered.
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