Jody Wade was granted early release from probation

Jody Wade is a free man as far as Wichita County is concerned.

Friday, 78^th District Court Judge Meredith Kennedy granted the former demolition truck business operator early release from probation related to obstructing a secured creditor.

Wade pleaded guilty in 2022 to charges that he tried to remove the bed of a heavy-duty wrecker that was listed as collateral against an outstanding loan and received three years of probation, deferred adjudication.

This type of community supervision allows a person to avoid a conviction on their record if they successfully complete their probation.

The case was one of several legal run-ins the once high-profile and controversial businessman encountered in Wichita Falls.

He was previously charged with DWI, public intoxication and unlawfully carrying a firearm.

Wade was arrested in Washington, DC in 2020 after a police officer on a bicycle doing a sweep before former President Donald Trump’s motorcade noticed Wade’s ankle monitor. A gun was found in Wade’s vehicle.

Wade testified Friday that he did not know he had entered the District of Columbia, which has strict gun laws.

“It was kind of funny, but not really,” he said.

He spent more than a month behind bars for that incident.

Wade, who has admitted to having a drinking problem, told the court on Friday that he was remorseful for his actions.

Defense attorney Dustin Nimz told Kennedy that Wade has paid all fees and restitution as required.

Wade is no longer in the wrecking business and now lives in Young County.

Kennedy completed his probation after Wade tested positive for alcohol and drugs on Friday.

Before getting bogged down in legal issues, Wade held an exclusive contract for the towing needs of the city of Wichita Falls from 2013 to 2018.

This article originally appeared on the Wichita Falls Times Record News: Jody Wade granted early release from probation