HOUSTON – A Liberty County commissioner is now facing serious criminal charges, accused of using his public office to solicit sex and exploit a woman desperate for help with a child custody case, according to newly obtained court documents.
Precinct 3 Commissioner David Shirell Whitmire, who drew attention earlier this year for mocking animal advocates, was indicted by a Liberty County grand jury on three counts: sexual assault, official oppression, and solicitation of prostitution, according to court documents obtained by KPRC 2.
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The indictments outline a disturbing series of events that allegedly took place in late December 2024. According to court documents, Whitmire is accused of sexually assaulting a woman and using his position as a public official to offer help with a child custody case in exchange for sexual favors. A third charge alleges that Whitmire offered money and assistance with the custody matter as part of a sexual agreement.
Newly obtained details shed light on how the investigation into Whitmire began. According to court documents, the case surfaced after a video was posted on social media in March 2025. The video features a couple discussing their experiences with the child custody system in Liberty County, with the woman alleging sexual misconduct by the commissioner.
The Texas Rangers were contacted and, after meeting with the couple, obtained sworn statements about their encounters with Whitmire. The woman detailed multiple interactions with Whitmire, including a December 2024 meeting in which he allegedly offered to assist with the custody case in exchange for sex. The woman stated that after feeling backed into a corner, she agreed to engage in sexual intercourse with Whitmire in exchange for his supposed help with the child custody situation.
According to court documents, Whitmire admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the woman but denied ever providing assistance with the child custody case. He allegedly told investigators that while he lied to the woman about offering help, he never intended to follow through. Court records state Whitmire acknowledged the agreement but claimed he had been intoxicated during their encounters and made the promises to “appease” her.
Despite his admission, court documents indicate Whitmire maintains that no illegal activity occurred and denies any intention to assist with the custody matter.
KPRC 2’s Brittany Jeffers spotted Whitmire in the parking lot around 7 a.m., accompanied by two people. When she approached him, he reached out to shake her hand. Jeffers asked if he had anything to say to the people of Liberty County, to which he replied, “I’m innocent.”
What happened?
According to BlueBonnetNews.com, a Liberty County grand jury returned three indictments against Whitmire on Wednesday, April 23, following a closed session.
READ: ‘Woof, woof’: Video appears to show Liberty County officials mocking animal advocates, media
KPRC 2’s Corley Peel first spoke with Whitmire on the phone Wednesday, 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 that the third charge was solicitation of prostitution.
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.”
KPRC 2 will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.