The Mayor of Uhland was arrested and booked into the Caldwell County Jail on Dec. 3.
Lacee Halayne Duke, 38, was indicted by the Caldwell County Grand Jury for Misapplication of Fiduciary Property $150,000 < $300,000, according to a statement issued by Caldwell County Criminal District Attorney Fred Weber.
The Texas Rangers and the Caldwell County Criminal District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to an indictment for the improper disbursement of $250,000 in city funds to Old Town Uhland, LLC. related to the 2024 Uhland Fall Fest.
Uhland Interim City Administrator Vicky Rudy said the city takes the matter seriously and is monitoring the situation.
“As this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not be commenting on the details of the investigation. The city respects the legal process and the presumption of innocence guaranteed to every individual,” Rudy said. “At this time, Mayor Duke continues to service in office unless and until any action is taken in accordance with Texas law.”
Rudy said the city will provide updates as information becomes available and is able to be released.
“The city is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and we will cooperate fully with the authorities,” Duke said. “The safety and well-being of our employees, residents and community remain our top priority.”
Weber said the charge is a second degree felony and punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. Bond is set at $20,000, but Weber could not confirm whether or not Duke had posted bail as of noon on Dec. 4.
According to the Texas Penal Code, a person commits Misapplication of Fiduciary Property “if he intentionally, knowingly or recklessly misapplies property he holds as a fiduciary or property of a financial institution in a manner that involves substantial risk of loss to the owner of the property or to a person for whose benefit the property is held.”
Weber did not provide additional comment as “this remains an ongoing investigation.”
The Daily Record reached out to the Uhland Fall Festival and the Department of Public Safety but have not heard back as of time of press.
