Coming straight off of a not guilty verdict, the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct (TCJC) has lifted the suspension of the Burnet County judge.
Oakley confirmed the lifting of his suspension as of Friday, Sept. 1 at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Burnet County Judge James Oakley was found not guilty Aug. 31 of a misdemeanor charge, alleging he misused a county vehicle by traveling to a utility board meeting in Johnson City.
The three-day trial was moved to Blanco County after District Attorney Wiley “Sonny” McAfee dismissed the case in Burnet County and refiled in the Johnson City court.
Earlier this year, TCJC suspended Oakley from his duties as Burnet County Judge after he was indicted on four charges including the misdemeanor abuse charge. Three of the charges were quashed or voided by Judge Waldrip.
His reinstatement as judge is pending.
In a statement to the media and on social media, Oakley expressed gratitude and relief in the jury trial outcome.
“I am relieved this part of legal proceedings against me is finally over,” he stated. “I hope to get back to serving Burnet County as soon as possible.
“The allegation and subsequent court proceedings have weighed heavy on my heart, but through the patience and support of my family, I have remained confident that eventually the truth would prevail - and it did,” he added. “I appreciate the citizens of Blanco County who selflessly served on my jury, sought the truth, and by their verdict of Not Guilty vindicated me of these baseless charges.”
Austin attorney John Carsey represented Oakley during the trial, which began with jury selection on Aug. 29.
"I feel the jury appropriately decided the lack of evidence in the case," Carsey told The Highlander.
"It was likely decided just on that. They (the jurors) said, 'The state did not meet its burden of proof.'"
After the trial, McAfee told The Highlander, "We appreciate the jurors. Even if they reach a verdict we disagree with.”
The trial jury was comprised of three men and three women who were tasked with reaching a unanimous decision.
On the second day of the proceedings, McAfee called three witnesses, including a Burnet County Sheriff's Office investigator and the Burnet County auditor.
The defense called Burnet County Resources Department director who characterized Oakley's status as “on-call” due to his responsibility as emergency management coordinator for Burnet County.
Following the social media post, several residents shared their support for the verdict on Oakley's page.
“Congratulations! I am happy that the jury quickly confirmed what most of us already knew,” stated local attorney Neal Kennedy. “Looking forward to practicing before you again.”
