BURNET COUNTY, Texas — Editors note: The above video was published in March, when Burnet County Judge James Oakley was suspended without pay amid a criminal investigation.
Suspended Burnet County Judge James Oakley learned Monday that three of the four charges against him have been thrown out, according to a report from The Daily Trib, a newspaper that serves Highland Lakes communities.
KVUE reported that Oakley was indicted on March 8 on two counts of abuse of official capacity, one count of evidence tampering and one count of official oppression. A day later, he was released on bond after he turned himself into the Lampasas Jail.
Oakley told KVUE that the charges stem from two issues. He explained the abuse of official capacity charge relates to what he said is his legal "multi-term service as a member elected director of the board of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative."
The other charges related to what Oakley called a "fender bender" two years ago, in which he moved a bumper to clear the pathway for drivers.
On Monday, July 10, District Judge Dip Waldrip threw out all but one charge during a pre-trial hearing. The Daily Trib reported that on Aug. 29, jury selection will begin for the charge related to "a misdemeanor involving the use of a county vehicle to drive to Pedernales Electric Cooperative board meetings."
According to The Daily Trib, District Attorney Wiley "Sonny" McAfee stated this trial for the abuse of official capacity charge is expected to last three days.