In Re John Sopuch, Connor Nash, and James S. Bell v. the State of Texas

Fourth Court of Appeals
San Antonio, Texas
January 14, 2026

No. 04-25-00816-CV

IN RE John SOPUCH, Connor Nash, and James S. Bell

Original Proceeding 1

ORDER

Sitting: Rebeca C. Martinez, Chief Justice
Lori Massey Brissette, Justice
Velia J. Meza, Justice

Relators filed their petition for writ of mandamus on December 16, 2025, and an
emergency motion for stay on December 17, 2025. Relators challenge a sanctions order issued on
July 28, 2025. Mandamus is an extraordinary remedy, available only when the relator can show
(1) the trial court clearly abused its discretion or violated a duty imposed by law; and (2) there is
no adequate remedy by way of appeal. Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 839-40 (Tex. 1992)
(orig. proceeding). Having considered the petition, the motion, and the accompanying record, this
court concludes relator did not show it is entitled to the relief sought. Accordingly, the petition for
writ of mandamus is DENIED. See TEX. R. APP. P. 52.8(a). The emergency motion for stay is
DENIED AS MOOT.

It is so ORDERED on January 14, 2026.

_____________________________
Rebeca C. Martinez, Chief Justice

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said
court on this 14th day of January, 2026.

_____________________________
Caitlin A. McCamish, Clerk of Court

1
This proceeding arises out of Cause No. DC-25-34, styled Antonio E. Mercado and Nancy L. Mercado v. Epic Crude
Pipeline, LP, et al, pending in the 229th Judicial District Court, Duval County, Texas, the Honorable Baldemar Garza
presiding.