DOCS: Angelina County JP arrested after ordering employee to take state judicial course for him

LUFKIN, Texas (KLTV) - An Angelina County judge abused his position of power by requiring an employee to complete his mandated justice of the peace training in his place, according to court records. [KLTV Channel 7 News]

# ARTICLE BODY

A 74-year-old justice of the peace in Angelina County pleaded no contest to abuse of official capacity after investigators determined he had compelled a subordinate to attend required training courses on his behalf, court documents show.

Donald Puckett, who serves as the Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace in Lufkin, directed an employee to complete mandatory instruction through the Texas Justice Court Training Center in July 2025 and falsify documentation indicating Puckett himself had fulfilled the requirement. According to an affidavit filed in the case, the incident occurred July 24, 2025.

The Texas Rangers launched an investigation into Puckett's conduct and subsequently arrested him on the abuse of official capacity charge, which carried a potential value between $750 and $2,500. Puckett was booked into the Angelina County Jail on Friday before being released.

During his initial appearance, Puckett entered a plea of no contest to the charges against him. He paid a $2,290 fine as part of the resolution and was discharged from custody following payment.

The case illustrates how law enforcement and judicial oversight mechanisms work to hold elected officials accountable when they misuse their authority. Justice of the peace positions require regular recertification through state-mandated training programs designed to ensure judicial competency across Texas courts.