Conroe Judge Returns to Bench After Third Arrest, Records Show

Judge William Waggoner of the Conroe Municipal Court has returned to his duties following his arrest early Wednesday. Authorities took him into custody on allegations of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon, as documented in Montgomery County Court of Law records. The arrest signifies at least the third occasion on which the elected judge has encountered criminal allegations.

Waggoner, who took office in the municipal court in 2022, has recently initiated a campaign for Justice of the Peace in Montgomery County Precinct 1. His legal troubles, nonetheless, persistently loom over his public service history.

City officials have confirmed the arrest, underscoring the importance of maintaining due process throughout the proceedings. A spokesperson for the City of Conroe stated in a written statement, “No one is above the law or immune from making mistakes.” The spokesperson confirmed that Waggoner continues to serve as the municipal judge, stating that the city “will not comment on the facts of the case.”

According to court documents, Waggoner's initial arrest took place in 2008, where he was charged with evading arrest. 

Documents show that he successfully finished a diversion program, leading the court to subsequently dismiss the charge. In 2014, his legal issues came back into the spotlight following a DWI arrest, which prosecutors ultimately dismissed due to a lack of sufficient evidence.

In 2017, Waggoner faced arrest once more in San Antonio, this time for a DWI charge. Documents indicate that he entered into a plea agreement and fulfilled the mandated court requirements, resulting in the dismissal of the case without a conviction.

The recent arrest brings additional attention as Waggoner seeks a higher position in the judiciary. Efforts to contact him at his residence on Thursday did not yield any results. A relative informed the KPRC 2 news team that he was not present at the residence.

Waggoner’s campaign website highlights his military experience and judicial background, asserting that these qualifications enable him to “lead with integrity.” He characterizes himself as a dedicated Texan with a lifelong commitment to serving the public.

In the wake of the arrest, Waggoner remains firmly in position on the municipal bench. According to Texas law, elected municipal judges can continue to serve in their positions unless they are removed via formal proceedings or choose to resign. As of Thursday, no action had been initiated.

City officials emphasized that the case will move forward through the usual legal processes. Details surrounding the traffic stop, the weapon allegedly found in his possession, and potential next court dates were not immediately available.

Waggoner’s campaign has not issued a public statement regarding the arrest.

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