Council candidate admits misdemeanor offense in 2006

Friday, April 1, 2011

Tyler Woods, who is running to unseat 1st Ward Councilman Bob Weber in next Tuesday’s municipal election, pleaded guilty in 2006 to impersonating a law enforcement officer, a Class A misdemeanor.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on the night of Feb. 24, 2006, in the area of St. Francis Court and St. Francis Drive, just outside the Taos city limits.

In the probable cause statement from the Cole County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Richard Worthington responded to a call from a man who reported his daughter was stopped by a driver in a white Dodge Durango after she failed to stop at a stop sign.

The girl told the deputy that an individual with a blue and white light pulled her over, came to the window, asked for her license and registration, and then let her off with a warning.

The deputy was eventually directed to a residence on St. Francis Court that had a vehicle matching the description of the Dodge Durango. At the residence, the deputy talked to Woods, who was 18 at the time. Woods acknowledged talking with the girl, but denied using the lights to stop her vehicle or asking for her drivers license.

A month later, Woods pleaded guilty and received two years of unsupervised probation, which he successfully completed. Woods was ordered not to participate in any first responder programs during that time.

While Woods does not deny the incident, he said he looks at it as a learning experience from which he has benefited.

Read additional details in our newspaper or e-Edition. Newspaper subscribers: Click on an e-Edition article and log in using your current account information at no extra charge. For e-edition help, e-mail circ@newstribune.com. Click here to purchase the full version of archived articles.

More like this story

goodcitizen 2 years, 1 month ago

I must question the timing of this! What 18 year-old hasn't done something they regret! I hope Tyler Woods is elected to inject some new, fresh ideas into the city council! Good luck Tyler. I would love to see the "good old boys" removed from office.

bndyvcky 2 years, 1 month ago

I can understand an 18 year old making a mistake, but this was not a mistake, it was intentional. However, if he learned from the mistake, he would do well. This blemish may put a question mark on some minds???? What was he thinking?

goodcitizen 2 years, 1 month ago

He was 18 years-old....he wasn't thinking. He pleaded guilty, took his punishment and I believe he learned a mighty lesson from it. My point is why report this now? 3 days before the election? Why not back when he threw his name in the ring?

Daddy 2 years, 1 month ago

What was his intentions pulling a young girl over on a dark highway pretending to be a police officer. Sounds like this guy has some darker motives. As much as I hate the status quo I don't see electing some weirdo to office as a good thing either!

kathnkurt1974 2 years, 1 month ago

My husband and I had recently met Tyler when he knocked on our door. We will still vote for him because of the hard work and dedication he has shown. We were very impressed with his will to get out and meet everyone. The past is the past, he was a kid and is in our opinion a great young man that we believe will do good things here. Don’t knock him down for trying!

rocketron 2 years, 1 month ago

I never comment on these things but today, this is crazy! 1. LOW BLOW Politics on Webers behalf! 2. I don't know him personally, but I do know just by hearing things this was nothing malicious, he was being a kid playing around. In his 20's this young guy is doing more than you or I did or probably doing right now! I support anyone who can better their life especially at such a young age. I say support this young man, he has learned his lesson and he stated that in the PRINT form of NT. Must be a slow news day...2006..come on!

Daddy 2 years, 1 month ago

Have to wonder about the mental condition of someone who pretends to be a police officer in order to pull young women over. Have to say this kid needs a doctor not a council seat!

Justified 2 years, 1 month ago

Politics as usual in Jefferson City. The established do as we always have Weber in one corner and the young man with a "tainted" past in the other. Weber representing the way its always been done and no reason to change anything. Woods being young, energetic, imaginative and obviously wanting to represent all the citizens of the first ward not just a few special interests. I am am deeply amused at the late reporting of this incident and the fact Mr. Weber being the outstanding person he is felt the need to allow this to happen. The whole truth has failed to make the light of day in this story and sadly never will. Politics as usual in Jefferson City. I for one believe its time for a change and Tyler Woods is that change.

packersfan825 2 years, 1 month ago

If I lived in the 1st Ward, Tyler you would definitely have my vote. Weber is scared that he's going to lose!!!!!!!!!

malmo 2 years, 1 month ago

I don't think the News Tribune needs a candidate to point out an opposing candidate's criminal record.

Out of curiosity, I just searched Casenet and found Wood's C & I in 2004, his Expired Plates Ticket in 2008 and his False Impersonation Law Enforcement Officer charge in 2006. You know, everyone can access that site.......

I also "Casenet'ed" Weber, didn't find anything.

Wood's supporters can scream indignity, but politics are only negative when they hurt their own candidate. Truth is the best defense (or offense).............

3blindmice 2 years, 1 month ago

there is no such thing as negative publicity. personally I would like to see fresher faces in our city council. There is too many generations of the same families running this city. which is why this town is so backwards in the first place.

Please review our Policies and Procedures before registering or commenting

Or login with:

OpenID

News Tribune