Precinct 4 Constable Hunter Sanders pleaded guilty on Aug. 21, 2024, to the felony offense of Terroristic Threat of a Judge and was placed on deferred adjudication probation for five years, according to Lamar County District Attorney Gary Young.
Just before midnight on July 31, 2024, Sanders contacted Justice of the Peace Jimmy Steed by telephone while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. During the call, Sanders threatened to stab Steed in the neck before killing himself in the driveway. Sanders was arrested the next day with assistance from the Texas Rangers.
“This type of plea agreement is common for first-time felony offenses and was reached after consulting with the Steed family. The agreement includes a requirement for in-custody drug and alcohol treatment in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility,” said Young. “Sanders also agreed to immediately resign his elected office and permanently forfeit his peace officer’s license.”
If Sanders fails to comply with any term of his probation, including successful completion of the in-custody treatment program, he may be sentenced to up to two years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice which must be served day-for-day with no parole or good conduct credit. “We hope that Sanders will complete his treatment and go on to live a productive life. His acceptance of responsibility means the Steeds and the county will not have to go through a trial or a removal proceeding.”
The case was prosecuted in the 6th District Court before Judge Wes Tidwell. Sanders was represented by James Rodgers.
