Bail Jumping During Jury Deliberations Ends With Arrest and 40-Year Sentence

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- On April 29, 2025, a Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office Deputy conducted a traffic stop in Splendora, Texas, which resulted in the arrest of Michael Dean Wetch. Wetch was charged with Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 1 (methamphetamine), in an amount of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams.

On January 21, 2026, Wetch attended the trial proceedings and was not in custody during the hearing. During a recess while the jury was deliberating, Wetch left the courthouse and discontinued communication with his attorney. After the court bailiff reported Wetch had absconded, the presiding judge immediately issued an order for Wetch’s arrest.

Precinct 4 Deputies and Detectives immediately initiated an intensive search, canvassing known addresses and locations associated with Wetch. After approximately 10 hours, Wetch was located at just before 1:30 a.m. at a residence in Humble, Texas. With assistance from the Humble Police Department, deputies made contact at the location and took Wetch into custody without incident. He was transported to the Montgomery County Jail.

On the morning of January 22, 2026, Wetch was transported back to the 435th District Court for sentencing. The jury sentenced Wetch to 40 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

“Let this be a clear message: running from the courtroom doesn’t erase a verdict—it adds to the consequences,” said Constable Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden. “Our deputies and detectives stayed on him until he was in custody. We’ll continue to pursue offenders who think they can outrun accountability.”

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