Rod Ponton, an attorney for Presidio County in Texas, gained cat-themed notoriety this week after appearing as a feline during a Zoom call hearing. While the judge who presided over it described his appearance as being “un-purr-fessional”, Rod took it all in stride and found humor in it all.
Reminding users that even experienced users of video-call software may experience problems with filters can be frustrating and time consuming.
Judge Roy Ferguson of Presidio County Courthouse in Presidio County Texas
Judge Roy Ferguson has become a familiar sight across Texas since the Pandemic outbreak began, serving both residents and legal professionals alike. As district court judge in Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth and Presidio counties as part of Texas 394th Judicial District; additionally overseeing civil forfeiture proceedings and local government affairs as necessary.
On Tuesday, during a routine hearing in county court, county attorney Rod Ponton mismanaged his Zoom settings and made himself look like an adorable feline onscreen.
Thankfully, the judge handled his situation gracefully. His big, kitten eyes became an internet meme within hours – instantly joining BBC Dad and Knife Kid as instant classics. No doubt his attorney will double check their zoom settings prior to future meetings! All told, this incident provided some welcome comic relief in times when many are suffering.
Ponton’s Mistake
Coronavirus pandemic has led to many hilarious computer mistakes; but for one lawyer, his error was more serious.
Rod Ponton, a lawyer for Texas’ 394th District Court of Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio Counties went viral after becoming confused as to how to turn off a Zoom filter that transformed him into a cat during a hearing on Tuesday.
The 69-year-old Texasan appeared exasperated, yet recognized the humor in it all, seemingly pleased that so many were enjoying himself so much.
Local news media took it all in stride, while national and international outlets picked up on Ponton’s story. When hearing his case, however, Ponton returned to normal: the judge told PEOPLE he “sounded just fine,” though his attorney himself admitted to PEOPLE that he’s still not sure how it happened and is mortified that his error has become legal issues.
Ponton’s Recovery
Ponton persevered through his illness by publishing papers on scientific and religious subjects; however, his health never recovered and eventually led him to move to Bristol, which was believed to be more conducive to his health.
Jones in his 10-count complaint alleges that Hill and Ponton have committed legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, fraud and breach of contract by withdrawing as counsel for him. By doing so, they deprived him of effective counsel and due process rights as well as emotional distress; though no specific damages amount has been provided.
Judge Ferguson’s Public Service Announcement
Governor Ferguson takes very seriously his responsibility to appoint jurists. He believes that quality judicial appointments are fundamental to robust democracy and healthy economies, so he remains dedicated to selecting experienced, independent, and well-qualified attorneys for membership on our bench.
Former Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ferguson was found guilty by a jury for second-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife Sheryl on Aug. 3, 2023 after drinking heavily that day and having an argument about finances both during dinner at a restaurant and later while watching “Breaking Bad” together at home with their adult son. Sheryl told her husband to point a real gun at her – to which he obliged – with him pulling the trigger, according to prosecutors. After initial hung jury results in trial, Senior Deputy District Attorney Seton Hunt sought conviction, while defense argued this time around with 40 years to life sentences depending on when and retrial.