CONROE, Texas – The Conroe Municipal Court Judge arrested last month on a driving while intoxicated charge declined to answer questions about his criminal history as he walked in to a campaign meet-and-greet event for justice of the peace in precinct one.
“I released a statement and that’s available,” said Judge Waggoner, when given the opportunity to speak to his constituents on camera.
But there were several aspects in his statement he didn’t address which were in court documents, including a military discipline for DUI. Waggoner walked away when asked about this record.
According to Montgomery Police Department records, Waggoner was arrested last month after police said he was driving 61 miles per hour in a 35 mile-per-hour zone. Police said he showed signs of intoxication and was taken into custody on a DWI charge.
The arrest report also states Waggoner had a handgun inside his vehicle at the time of the traffic stop. Under Texas law, carrying a handgun while intoxicated is a criminal offense.
Waggoner is currently campaigning for justice of the peace in Precinct One and hosted a meet-and-greet Tuesday in Conroe.
Following his arrest, Waggoner released a written statement describing the incident as a “bad day.”
You can read Waggoner’s full statement below:
“I have sworn an oath as a Marine, a Soldier, and a Judge. And today, I am speaking directly to you because the facts of this case are being twisted for political gain and cheap headlines.
Let’s kill the lies right now. I do not have multiple DWIs. That is a fabrication designed to destroy my reputation before you hear the facts.
Here is the truth regarding the misinformation: Let’s be clear that the legal outcomes in my past cases were correct based on the facts. Regarding the night in question, I never leveraged my title. Reports claiming I said “be aware that he is a judge” are lies on a sworn affidavit that are directly contradicted by body-worn camera footage and transcripts. I respect the badge and expect no special treatment, however, I expect the truth.
Furthermore, the narrative of erratic driving is false. The dash camera clearly shows I was not driving on a single dotted line or pulling into a ditch. Finally, I carry a firearm in my vehicle, just as many Texans do. It was lawfully owned, safely secured, and never touched or displayed during this incident. To suggest the public was in danger is a lie.
Here is the context of that night.
I was informed that afternoon of a situation with one of my soldiers. Navigating that situation resurfaced difficult memories and the heavy weight of losing friends I served with to suicide.
I share this not to seek sympathy, but to be transparent about my state of mind. I had a bad day, but it does not excuse the conduct. I own that. I will have to handle this just as any citizen would and will remain transparent throughout.
But hear this:
My opponents think this is the moment to end me. They think a man with scars can’t serve as a judge. They are wrong.
We don’t need more judges who sit in ivory towers, pretending they are perfect. We need judges who know what it means to be human. We need judges who have stood in the fire, who have faced the darkness, and who have come out the other side with their faith and their principles intact.
I treat every person who enters my courtroom equally. I don’t see files; I see people. I don’t rush to judgment, because I know what it feels like to be the one standing accused. Many have come forward recently stating exactly that, confirming they were treated with dignity and respect in my courtroom.
My scars don’t make me weak. They make me fair.
I am not quitting. I am not hiding. I am asking you to reject the politics of personal destruction and judge me by my entire record of service, not by rumors. I ask for your prayers for my family, your forgiveness, and the opportunity to continue earning your trust every single day on the bench.
I am Judge William Waggoner. And I am just getting started."
On the Montgomery County Tea Party website, Waggoner responded to a candidate questionnaire stating he has no arrests, convictions, bankruptcies, or issues that would hinder his ability to serve honorably.
Court records show prior arrests
Court documents reviewed by KPRC 2 News show Waggoner has been arrested at least twice for DWI prior to his most recent Montgomery County arrest.
KPRC 2 News has also obtained court documents from Bexar County showing that in 2018, Waggoner violated probation stemming from a 2017 DWI arrest.
On November 26, 2018, Waggoner was re-arrested for violating several of his probation conditions, according to court documents. The judge ordered a $25,000 bond.
“I have the most experience,” said Judge Waggoner, when asked why he’s the best candidate for Justice of the Peace in Precinct One.
KPRC 2 News has requested body-worn camera footage from the Montgomery Police Department related to Waggoner’s most recent arrest. That request is currently pending with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.