'Affluenza' Teen's Mom's Lawyers Issue Sarcastic Statement to Sheriff
Couch's lawyers asked that proceedings to be conducted "fairly and lawfully."
— -- The lawyers for the mom of "affluenza" teen Ethan Couch issue a stinging statement directed at the Tarrant County Sheriff, appearing to sarcastically thank him for "taking time out of his busy day" to escort Couch to a "Super Max" unit of the jail.
"We would like to thank Sheriff Dee Anderson for taking time out of his busy day serving as this county’s chief law enforcement officer to personally escort a 5’1”, 110 poundhandcuffed and leg shackled female who was guarded by at least 2 armed deputies yesterday," the lawyers, Stephanie Patten and Stephen E. Gordon said in the statement.
The statement went on to say "we have never witnessed an elected official take such a personal interest and escort a suspect."
"We have also never seen or heard of a sheriff taking the additional unprecedented step that he took earlier today of interrogating her while in custody at court today (surrounded by four deputies) and while clearly represented by counsel, but without her counsel present!" the lawyers said.
Tonya couch made her initial appearance in court today on charges of hindering the apprehension of a fugitive. Couch was apprehended in Mexico on Dec. 28 alongside her 18-year-old son, Ethan, who was put on probation after a drunk driving incident left four people dead and several more injured.
During Ethan's sentencing for the drunken driving incident, a psychologist hired by the defense testified that the teen was a product of "affluenza" -- a term he used to describe Ethan's irresponsible lifestyle associated with his affluent upbringing.
Patten and Gordon went on to say that the "job" of the sheriff is to "hold press conferences" and "supervise his or her staff" and accuses Anderson of "piggybacking" on the case to gain attention for an upcoming election.
Couch, 48, has not yet entered a plea.
Another hearing will take place Monday regarding to Couch's bail, which has been set to $1 million. If the bond is lowered and she is released, Couch will have to wear an ankle monitor and hand over her passport.
Anderson could not immediately reached for comment.