The longtime business partner of Brad Simpson, the husband charged with murder in connection to Suzanne Simpson's disappearance, has been indicted on charges related to helping to cover up her killing. James 'Val' Cotter, 65, is charged with tampering with evidence to impair and investigation and possession of prohibited weapons, both third-degree felonies. The case is assigned to the186th District Court, with Judge Kristina Escalona presiding. A grand jury indicted him on Dec. 16.
Affidavit: Brad Simpson begged business partner Val Cotter to hide his AK-47 — and he did Cotter's case is related to the investigation of Suzanne Simpson's disappearance. The 51-year-old mother of four was last seen alive on Oct. 6 and was reported missing the following day. There have been extensive searches for Suzanne Simpson, but her body has not been found.
Suzanne Simpson's DNA found on her husband Brad Simpson's saw, police said Cotter's bail conditions bar him from possessing firearms or having contact with Brad Simpson, according to a court record shared with the Express-News by state District Judge Ron Rangel, the administrative judge for Bexar County's district courts. Cotter, who is on a GPS monitor, is under house arrest.