Texas law enforcement arrested Democratic Treasurer Dr. Carla Wyatt of Harris County, Texas — a recently elected star in the Democratic Party — after allegedly trying to break into a car over the weekend.
According to local outlet ABC 13 Eyewitness News, Wyatt, who was released after posting bond, was seen on video opening an unlocked minivan and entering it.
Citing police reports, the local outlet reported that Wyatt claimed she had permission to be in the minivan. However, the vehicle’s owners told police they did not know Wyatt and said she did not have permission to enter the vehicle.
“We are aware that Carla Wyatt was arrested and charged with burglary of a motor vehicle,” the Harris County District Attorney’s office told ABC 13.
“As this case is pending, our office will not comment further on the details of the investigation. What we can say is this: the pursuit of justice in Harris County is guided by the law and evidence, not by political affiliation, public office, or party ties. No one is above the law. No one is exempt from accountability. Our responsibility is, and always will be, to the people in this community.”
Shortly after being elected, Wyatt had expressed hope to be seen as “a role model for those people who are coming behind me” in an interview with KPRC 2, a Houston TV station.
Wyatt is the first African-American to be elected to the position, according to the Harris County Treasurer’s official website.
However, this is not the first time Wyatt has had run-ins with the law.
Wyatt, who took office in January 2023, was arrested that same year for driving while intoxicated, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Wyatt then violated the terms of her bond on at least two occasions, the Chronicle reported, including failing to install an interlock device to prevent her from driving while intoxicated in January 2024 and for being intoxicated in March 2024.
The DWI charge was ultimately dropped in August after Wyatt completed a pretrial diversion program, ABC 13 reported.
An attorney for Wyatt told the media they will have a comment at a later date.