James Vallee Cotter
Co-Defendant & Business Partner of Brad Simpson
Released on bond awaiting trial on felony charges of evidence tampering and possession of an illegal fully automatic AK-47.
OVERVIEW & LEGAL HISTORY SUMMARY
James Vallee Cotter is a San Antonio businessman and longtime associate of Brad Chandler Simpson for over 25 years. He is a co-defendant in proceedings connected to the post-offense investigation into Suzanne Clark Simpson's disappearance. On October 21, 2024, law enforcement arrested Cotter after intercepted text messages showed Brad Simpson asking Cotter to retrieve an illegal firearm from Simpson's home. A search warrant executed at Cotter's Dominion residence uncovered a Chinese-manufactured AK-47 modified into an unregistered fully automatic machine gun hidden inside an interior wall void behind a television. In December 2024, a Bexar County grand jury indicted Cotter on third-degree felony charges of tampering with physical evidence and possession of a prohibited weapon. In October 2025, Judge Joel Perez granted a motion to remove Cotter's GPS tracking monitor while keeping bond conditions active. His criminal prosecution remains pending in Bexar County's 437th Criminal District Court.
EVENT TIMELINE
Cotter exchanges text messages with Brad Simpson agreeing to retrieve and hide an illegal AK-47 from Simpson's home.
Arrested by law enforcement after officers discover an unregistered automatic AK-47 hidden inside a wall at his Dominion home.
Indicted by a Bexar County grand jury on felony charges of tampering with physical evidence and prohibited weapons.
Judge Joel Perez grants a defense motion removing Cotter's GPS monitoring device while maintaining bail conditions.
Court resets Cotter's trial date pending the completion of shared discovery in the primary murder prosecution.
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VERIFIED SOURCES
✓Brad Simpson's illegal 'machine gun' hidden by friend inside wall at Dominion home, police say - KSAT
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/10/23/brad-simpson-faces-fabricating-with-evidence-prohibited-weapon-related-charges-records-show/
Judge denies request to remove GPS monitoring for James Cotter - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYTUJx74lHw
Key Facts & Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is James Vallee Cotter's current legal status?
James Vallee Cotter is currently categorized as "On Bail". Released on bond awaiting trial on felony charges of evidence tampering and possession of an illegal fully automatic AK-47.
Q.Where is James Vallee Cotter now?
As of the last verified date (September 29, 2026), James Vallee Cotter's verified status is: On Bail. Released on bond awaiting trial on felony charges of evidence tampering and possession of an illegal fully automatic AK-47.
Q.Is James Vallee Cotter in prison, on bail, or released?
The verified judicial status for James Vallee Cotter is "On Bail". Released on bond awaiting trial on felony charges of evidence tampering and possession of an illegal fully automatic AK-47.
Q.Which primary case or trial is James Vallee Cotter associated with?
James Vallee Cotter is documented in connection with "State of Texas v. Brad Simpson" (Capital Offenses, Murder & Homicide, Violent Crime, Weapon Possession).
Q.When was this status information last verified?
This record was last verified against official court and public registry records on September 29, 2026 with a confidence score of 95%.