After more than three years, a case against a former Burnet County judge has been put to rest – in his favor.
On May 20, District Attorney Tonya Ahlschwede dismissed all pending charges related to allegations of abuse of official ca pacity, tampering with evidence, official opression and abuse of power against former judge James Oakley.
The dismissal documents noted the reason being in the “Interest of Justice.”
“I’m very pleased and humbled by the swift dismissals of the appointed District Attorney. These false charges have caused chaos personally and professionally,” Oakley told The Highlander in a statement. “They have loomed over me and my family for over three years.
“This entire politi- cally motivated fiasco has come with financial burdens with years worth of legal defense fees,” he added. “Combatting this lawfare has come at an extreme cost to our family.”
Here’s a look at the timeline of events which culminated in the latest disposition.
On March 7, 2023, four charges were filed by then District Attorney Wylie “Sonny” McAfee.
The State Judicial Conduct Commission suspended Oakley for the charges.
The felony charge of tampering with evidence stemmed from a minor vehicle collision on April 2, 2021. The DA filed the charges just under the two-year statute of limitations.
Another motorist collided with the side of a utility trailer Oakley was towing in Spicewood.
The district attorney alleged that because Oakley moved a piece of a plastic bumper off the roadway, he allegedly tampered with evidence.
Oakley contended that he was complying with state Transportation Code 600 which requires removal of vehicle crash debris in non-injury collisions.
The former DA also alleged that Oakley committed official oppression when he identified himself as being a local judge to the other motorist. Indictments came back against Oakley on charges of misdemeanor official oppression.
McAfee also secured an indictment against Oakley on misdemeanor abuse of official capacity for serving on the Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) Board of Directors at the same time he was serving as county judge. Oakley contended he could do so under Texas Local Government Code 171.004.
And finally, a misdemeanor charge of misuse of government property involved an indictment which alleged Oakley misused a county vehicle when he traveled to PEC meetings.
Oakley defended that his actions were “approved by the county auditor as defined as 'de minimus use’ by the IRS code.”
On March 10, 2023, Oakley turned himself in and posted a $5,000 cash bond.
In July 2023, he had a status hearing with the 3rd Judicial Region Administrative Judge Dib Waldrip.
Waldrip quashed three charges and ordered a trial on a fourth charge involving the vehicle use.
The DA then filed an appeal with the 3rd Court of Appeals the following day on the judge’s quashed orders.
On Aug. 31, 2023, a Blanco County jury found Oakley not guilty on the vehicle misuse charge.
The State Judicial Conduct Commission reinstated Oakley back to office from suspension.
In November 2024, the 3rd Court of Appeals reversed Waldrip’s quashed orders and returned charges back to the DA for disposition.
A year later, the newly elected District Attorney Perry Thomas filed an order to recuse himself from the case.
In December 2025, 424th Judicial District Judge Allen Garrett approved Thomas’ recusal and appointed the current Kimble County-based district attorney.
Last week’s disposition came just a day prior to a scheduled May 21 hearing.
“While these events have caused stress and substantial strain, I have found a greater faith and trust in our Lord,” Oakley stated. “These have been trying times, and I have often been mindful of Philippians 4:6, 'Do not be anxious about anything…’”
