Jury Duty Ends Early With Change of Plea to “Guilty”

Citizens of Waller County who were summoned to jury duty in the 506th Judicial District Court yesterday, Monday August 21, 2023, were released mid-afternoon instead of starting to hear the evidence in the trial. Attorneys with the Waller County District Attorney’s Office, and the attorney for David Richard, age 53 were prepared to start a jury trial yesterday morning. Richard had been indicted for a third-degree offence of Injury to a Child that carried a possible punishment range of 2 to 10 years in prison. As the morning progressed, Richard indicated a willingness to change his plea of innocent to guilty and take the recommended four years in prison sentence as agreed to by the D.A.’s office. The State of Texas was represented by Mr. Elliott Beatty and Mr. Bennett Dodson. “Thank you to all the citizens of Waller County who showed up and patiently waited to do their civil duty. Our criminal justice system will not function properly without your dedication to seeing those defendants in our county, as well as the State of Texas receive a fair trial. Thank you for your patience as we endeavor to seek justice on your behalf.” Elton R. Mathis – Waller County Criminal District Attorney