Former Lubbock Police Deputy Chief Leath McClure is back in the news, this time not for dodging prison but for getting slapped with a lawsuit. McClure, you might remember, was arrested in October 2023 on charges that included two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Continuous Violence Against the Family. He resigned a month later, pleaded guilty to the watered-down charge of Deadly Conduct, and walked away with 18 months of probation. Because in Lubbock, apparently, “deadly” just means “try not to do it again.”
Now the victim of his “deadly conduct” is suing for up to $1 million. The lawsuit also accuses McClure of sexual assault, emotional abuse, and verbal harassment, adding up to a laundry list of behavior that makes “probation” look like the bargain of the century. She’s asking for damages covering physical pain, mental anguish, and medical expenses—things McClure’s 18-month wrist slap certainly didn’t address.
It’s worth noting: the alleged victim’s name is withheld, as is standard for sexual assault cases. Meanwhile, McClure’s name is plastered everywhere, which feels appropriate since he once held one of the highest ranks in the Lubbock Police Department. A man trusted to enforce the law apparently got the justice system’s clearance sale option.
Only in Lubbock: shoot guns, abuse power, dodge accountability—then update your résumé for “consulting work.”
