Ethan Couch’s Dad Convicted Of Impersonating A Police Officer


Ethan Couch’s dad, Fred Couch, was convicted of impersonating a police officer on Wednesday. The conviction stems from a July 2014 incident, where Fred identified himself as a Lakeside, Texas, police officer while being questioned by the North Richland Hills police department. The father of the “affluenza teen” is now facing up to 180 days in jail and could be fined up to $2,000.

Ethan Couch was dubbed the “affluenza teen” in 2013, amid his highly controversial murder trial. The term was introduced by psychologist G. Dick Miller, who testified that Ethan was unable to understand the consequences of his actions because he was raised in a wealthy home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IVfXemF2ws

On the evening of June 15, 2013, then 16-year-old Ethan Couch and his friends reportedly stole two cases of beer for a party, which Ethan hosted at his parents’ Burleson, Texas, home.

Several hours later, Ethan Couch borrowed his father’s pickup truck to drive to another store. According to reports, the teen had seven passengers in the vehicle.

U.S. Marshals Service via AP
[Image via U.S. Marshals Service/AP]

As reported by Cleburne Times Review, Ethan was driving westbound on Burleson-Retta Road when he swerved off the right side of the road and struck a stalled vehicle. He also hit several people, who were assisting the stranded motorist.

Authorities confirmed a total of four people were killed and 12 others were injured in the crash. Although he was treated for minor injuries, Ethan Couch survived the devastating wreck.

Detectives later revealed the teen’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit when the crash occurred. They also estimated Ethan was driving approximately 70 miles per hour at the time of the initial impact.

Ethan Couch gained national attention when his defense team argued that his lavish lifestyle contributed to his behavior on the night of the accident. The case became even more controversial when psychologist G. Dick Miller claimed the teen’s affluence made him incapable of understanding the consequences of his actions.

The New York Times reports the defense strategy became a point of heated debate. However, Judge Jean Boyd took it into consideration. Although he was convicted of manslaughter while intoxicated, Ethan Couch was sentenced to only 10 years probation.

In the years following his conviction, Ethan Couch, his dad, and his mom, have all faced ongoing issues with the law.

Mexico's Jalisco state prosecutor's office via AP
[Mexico’s Jalisco state prosecutor’s office via AP]

Per the terms of his probation, Ethan was prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages. However, he was filmed playing a game of “beer pong,” which required him to drink beer.

After the viral, the teen fled to Mexico with his mother, Tonya.

As reported by Dallas News, Ethan was eventually apprehended and sentenced to two years in jail for violating the terms of his probation. Tonya Couch was charged with hindering the capture of a felon and money laundering and is currently awaiting trial.

On Wednesday, Ethan Couch’s dad was convicted of impersonating a police officer by a Tarrant County, Texas, jury.

In 2014, Fred Couch was being questioned by the North Richland Police Department in connection with a disturbance call. According to reports, he told the officers that he was a reserve officer for the Lakeside Police Department. To prove his affiliation with the organization, he produced a fake badge and falsified documents.

When the officers realized the badge and documents were fake, Fred was arrested and charged with impersonating an officer. Ethan Couch’s dad will be sentenced at a later date. However, he is facing up to six months in jail.

[Featured Image by AP Photo/LM Otero]

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