HOUSTON – A Liberty County commissioner who came under fire earlier this year for reportedly mocking dog advocates is now under investigation after being indicted on three counts, according to reports.
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that Texas Rangers are investigating Liberty County Precinct 3 Commissioner David Whitmire.
READ: ‘Woof, woof’: Video appears to show Liberty County officials mocking animal advocates, media
According to BlueBonnetNews.com, a Liberty County grand jury returned three indictments against Whitmire on Wednesday, April 23, following a closed session.
KPRC 2’s Corley Peel spoke with Whitmire on the phone, but he referred her to his attorney when asked about his charges. Corley spoke with Whitmire’s attorney, Chris Tritico, on the phone, where he confirmed Whitmire’s three indictments by a grand jury.
His attorney said based on a conversation with the District Attorney, he learned that two of Whitmire’s charges are sexual assault and official oppression. KPRC 2’s Brittany Jeffers confirmed Thursday morning the third charge was solicitation of prostitution.
Tritico said he has made a deal with the DA’s Office that Whitmire will turn himself in and post bond Thursday morning.
Liberty District Attorney Jennifer Bergman released the following statement:
“As district attorney, I will not tolerate violent criminals or corrupt public officials, I am committed to pursuing justice without fear or favor, and I will use every tool at my disposal to hold individuals accountable, no matter their position.
“Public officials must be held to a higher standard. When they betray the trust placed in them by the community, they damage not only their own integrity but also the public’s confidence in our system as a whole. I refuse to stand by or be complicit in any ‘good old boy’ system, and by now, that should be clear.
“I am not just the District Attorney; I am also a citizen of Liberty County. Like every resident of this community, I expect honesty, transparency and integrity from those in positions of power. We all deserve better, and I will continue fighting to ensure we get it.”
No details have been released regarding the allegations.
Whitmire faces backlash after meeting
In January, Whitmire and Liberty County Judge Jay Knight were reportedly heard mocking animal advocates by making barking and woofing sounds—seemingly joking about an ongoing issue in the county.
The issue at the center of the controversy: a rise in dog attacks that residents say they’ve been dealing with for years.
KPRC 2 has been covering the uptick in dog attacks in Liberty County since last year.
Corley interviewed Whitmire in December, when he confirmed the stray dogs are an issue in the county.
TIMELINE: Uptick in dog attacks in Greater Houston area
Residents have told KPRC 2 that the issue has persisted and that they’re urging county leaders to act swiftly and seriously.
READ: New video of dog attack sent to KPRC 2 from Liberty County community raises concerns
KPRC 2 will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.