On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Bucks County Courier Times reported that former Lower Southampton district judge John Waltman was arrested for DUI two weeks after being released from federal prison.
According to court documents, the 66-year-old Waltman had been incarcerated for over five years after pleading guilty in 2019 to money laundering, extortion, and bribery charges related to his tenure as Lower Southampton’s district judge from 2010 to 2016. Waltman was released from prison on January 31 under supervised probation, with conditions that included refraining from criminal acts and alcohol consumption.
However, on February 14th, Northampton Township police noticed Waltman driving erratically late at night. Upon stopping his vehicle, the arresting officer detected a strong odor of alcohol on Waltman’s breath and slurred speech. Waltman admitted to drinking a beer 90 minutes prior. An open can of beer was located in the vehicle. A subsequent blood test revealed Waltman’s blood alcohol level to be 0.19%, over twice Pennsylvania’s legal limit. He was arrested and charged with DUI and traffic violations.
As a result of the new charges, the federal probation office filed a motion to reopen Waltman’s criminal case and impose stricter probation terms, including alcohol monitoring and treatment. Waltman’s attorney acknowledged his client has faced difficulties adjusting after years in custody but expressed confidence he would avoid further incarceration. The prompt rearrest has drawn concern from probation officials over Waltman’s ability to abide by court orders as he serves the remainder of his supervised release through 2026.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times
