'Affluenza' Teen Ethan Couch Wanted For Violating Probation
Texas authorities issued a warrant for the arrest of Ethan Couch, the infamous rich teenager who was sentenced to 10 years of probation after he killed four people in a drunk driving accident and his lawyers argued that he was a victim of "affluenza."
On Wednesday, it was reported that Couch's probation officer couldn't reach him last week. Couch's mother is also missing, Couch's lawyers told CNN. Under the terms of his probation, Couch must stay in contact with his probation officer and any probation violation could lead to jail time.
According to CNN affiliate KTVT, Couch and his mother went missing shortly after a video surfaced on Twitter that allegedly shows the teen at a party where alcohol is being consumed.
When asked to confirm Couch's attendance at the party, his attorneys told HLN they "are aware that the probation authorities and/or the District Attorney's office are conducting an investigation to determine if Ethan has violated any of the terms and conditions of his probation. It would not be prudent for us to make any further statement on Ethan's behalf until the investigations are concluded and it is determined what, if any, action will be taken against him."
His lawyers also confirmed that Couch has gone under the radar.
"We have recently learned that, for the last several days, the juvenile probation officer has been unable to make contact with Ethan or his mother with whom he has been residing," wrote Couch's attorneys in a statement to HLN. "It is our understanding that the Court has issued a directive to apprehend to have Ethan detained because he is out of contact with his probation officer."
The 18-year-old privileged teen made headlines in 2013 when he stole beer from a local Wal-Mart and went on a joy ride with five friends in a pickup truck when he was just 16 years old. He quickly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into four innocent bystanders, who were all killed in Fort Worth. Two of his friends were also critically injured and one was paralyzed. Meanwhile, Couch walked away from the crash without any severe injuries. Officials say his blood-alcohol level was three times the legal driving limit and he had traces of Valium and marijuana in his system on the night of the crash, reports The Washington Post.
Prosecutors tried to convict the boy with 20 years behind bars, but a Tarrant County juvenile court judge sided with Couch's defense team, who argued that he suffered from "affluenza," a condition where spoiled rich children are not taught right from wrong. The teen was sentenced to rehab and 10 years of probation.
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