A Liberty County grand jury has added a fourth indictment against Pct. 3 Commissioner David Whitmire, this time charging him with Abuse of Official Capacity.
According to the indictment, Whitmire is accused of using county machinery, tools, equipment and county personnel to perform work at his own home and the homes of relatives. The value of these services is listed as being between $750 and $2,500.
Whitmire surrendered himself to the Liberty County Jail on Wednesday morning, Sept. 24, and was released shortly after on a $5,000 bond. Coincidentally, Bluebonnet News learned of the impending charges prior to Whitmire’s arrest and contacted him Wednesday morning before his booking photo became public. When asked about the possibility of new charges, Whitmire declined to comment.
Bluebonnet News also reached out to Whitmire’s attorney, Houston lawyer Chris Tritico, but no response had been received at the time of publication.
This new indictment comes in addition to three charges handed down against Whitmire earlier this year. On April 23, a Liberty County grand jury indicted him on Sexual Assault, Solicitation of Prostitution and Official Oppression. Whitmire surrendered to authorities the following day, April 24, and was released on bonds totaling $35,000. All four of these cases are being prosecuted by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office after the Liberty County District’s Office recused itself.
At the time, District Attorney Jennifer Bergman issued a strong statement emphasizing her commitment to holding public officials accountable.
“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,” Bergman said in April.
“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,” she added. “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.”
Whitmire remains free on bond as the case proceeds.
“Held to a higher standard”…but minimal bond? Come on Liberty County, the internal corruption must cease and desist.