HOUSTON, TX, – Dr. Matthews is renewing calls for authorities to investigate Aubrey Taylor’s alleged possession or use of ballistic body armor after Taylor recently posted a photo online appearing to show him wearing body armor outside the Harris County Criminal Justice Center.

Dr. Matthews said she previously submitted a formal criminal complaint to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office concerning Taylor, whom she understands to have a prior felony conviction, and his alleged possession or use of ballistic body armor. She said evidence and documentation concerning the matter were provided to the appropriate authorities.

The issue has drawn renewed attention after Taylor recently posted a photo online appearing to show him wearing body armor directly outside the Harris County Criminal Justice Center.

Dr. Matthews characterized Taylor’s continued public displays as potentially intended to taunt or challenge authorities reviewing the complaint.

“If these public displays are intended to taunt or challenge the authorities reviewing this matter, they do not change the evidence or stop the process,” Dr. Matthews said. “A press credential does not place anyone above the law.”

Dr. Matthews is calling on the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and appropriate law enforcement agencies to determine exactly what Taylor is wearing, whether his possession of the equipment is lawful given his criminal history and whether enforcement action is warranted.

Her demand for accountability also extends to Democratic elected officials, candidates, campaigns and political organizations that have financially supported Taylor.

Dr. Matthews is challenging those who have paid Taylor, funded his work, purchased advertising or otherwise provided financial support to publicly explain those relationships.

“Political money comes with political accountability,” Dr. Matthews said. “If you are an elected official who has paid Mr. Taylor, funded his work, purchased advertising, or otherwise provided financial support, the public has every right to ask: What were you paying for, how much did you pay, and do you stand behind the conduct you are financially supporting?”

Dr. Matthews said the issue is not about political party affiliation and said she would apply the same scrutiny to Republicans.

“Accountability cannot have a D or an R behind it,” Dr. Matthews said. “I will challenge Democrats with the same intensity that I would challenge Republicans when the facts warrant scrutiny.”

Dr. Matthews also called on politicians who continue financially supporting Taylor to publicly explain their relationships with him.

“If you fund the behavior, be prepared to publicly explain the relationship,” Dr. Matthews said.

She concluded her statement with a call for transparency and accountability.

“Follow the money. Demand transparency. Demand accountability.”