According to Bexar County Court records, 65-year-old James Vallee Cotter has been arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence and lying to the police with intent to hinder an investigation. Cotter was booked into jail following the disappearance of Suzanne Simpson, 51, who was last seen at her home in Olmos Park.

His bond was set at $500,000, and he is currently under house arrest with orders to surrender his passport.

Olmos Park Disappearance

Cotter's arrest is connected to the case of Suzanne Simpson, the wife of his business partner Brad Simpson, 53. Suzanne, a mother of four, was reported missing earlier this month.

According to authorities, Cotter is a “business associate” of Brad, who was also arrested in connection with his wife's disappearance.

Suzanne was last seen on October 6 after reportedly having an argument with her husband of 22 years. She has now been missing for over two weeks, prompting concern from her family and community.

Neighbors Report the Simpson’s Fight

Police Chief Fidel Villegas stated that a neighbor witnessed a physical altercation between Brad and Suzanne Simpson on the night she went missing. The neighbor allegedly heard screams from a nearby wooded area and saw Brad’s black GMC truck drive away, only to return an hour or two later.

In an affidavit, the neighbor said, “Ms. Simpson was attempting to get away from Mr. Simpson's grasp as he tried to pull her downwards.”

Text Evidence and a Missing AK-47

The affidavit further reveals that on the night Suzanne disappeared, Brad Simpson texted Cotter, asking him to meet quickly and help him with an urgent matter.

Cotter allegedly agreed to hide an AK-47 at his San Antonio home, which was later found by an ATF K-9 team.

Family Fears Daughter is Dead

Barbara Clark, Suzanne’s mother, told local news she fears her daughter may no longer be alive.

She described a phone call from Suzanne where she mentioned Brad had physically harmed her. Brad Simpson was subsequently arrested on charges including unlawful restraint, assault, and possession of a prohibited weapon.

The investigation is ongoing, though law enforcement has yet to find any evidence linking Suzanne’s disappearance to foul play.