‘Affluenza’ teen’s dad convicted of pretending to be officer
The father of a Texas teenager who used an “affluenza” defense in a fatal drunk-driving wreck has been found guilty of falsely identifying himself as a peace officer two years ago.
A Tarrant County jury on Wednesday sentenced 51-year-old Fred Couch to a year’s probation. If he violates the terms, he could be jailed for up to 120 days.
In a dashboard camera video shown to jurors, Couch tells North Richland Hills police officers responding to a disturbance that he is a reserve officer.
Defense attorney Scott Brown said Couch, who carried a “Lakeside Police” badge, never asserted authority with it.
Couch’s son, Ethan Couch was 16 when he killed four people in a drunk-driving wreck. A defense expert argued at trial that Couch’s wealthy parents coddled him into a sense of irresponsibility.
ALSO
California’s drought divergence: Wetter in the north, still bone dry in the south
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
