Ft. Worth (WBAP/KLIF News) – Tonya Couch, the mother of Ethan Couch, will remain out of jail on bond until her trial in October. A judge in Fort Worth made the decision after a hearing Thursday.
Prosecutors called two witnesses. The manager of a restaurant and bar said she recognized Couch from media coverage and noticed her drink alcohol.
She said Couch was sitting at a table with a man. The manager said one mug of beer was sent to the table, and she saw Couch take one sip.
Judge Wayne Salvant ordered Couch not to drink.
At a gun show last weekend, Johnson County Commissioner Jerry Stringer was set up at a booth selling custom earplugs. He says he saw Couch with a rifle over her right shoulder.
Salvant had ordered Couch not to drink alcohol.
Salvant said he would not revoke Couch’s bond. He says media coverage of the case has made her recognizable, leading people to notice her drink and carry a gun.
“The eyes of Texas are looking upon you,” he said.
Instead, Salvant ordered more frequent tests, saying Couch had not shown common sense. She will now undergo weekly drug tests.
Couch had passed each drug test since Salvant made the initial order.
Her trial for money laundering and taking Ethan Couch to Mexico starts October 2.
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