On the evening of March 3, 2025, William Lucas Waybourn, the adopted son of Tarrant County Sheriff Waybourn, was arrested by the Arlington Police Department following an incident that led to multiple charges. Waybourn was taken into custody on charges of Solicitation/Person Under 18, Assault on a Peace Officer, and Resisting Arrest/Search/Transport. After being booked, he was transported to Arlington Jail, where he later bonded out.
The charges are related to an event that took place in Arlington, Texas, and the case will be processed by the Arlington Police Department. It is expected that the case will be submitted to the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office for further review and legal action.
Sheriff Waybourn, who serves as the elected sheriff of Tarrant County, expressed his disappointment regarding his son’s arrest but emphasized his belief in the importance of accountability. "I’ve taught my children there are consequences to their actions," he stated. The sheriff noted that this is a challenging time for his family, particularly given William’s developmental challenges.
William Waybourn, who is one of eight children adopted by Sheriff Waybourn and his wife, faces significant life challenges. He is developmentally challenged and lives with the effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a condition caused by his biological mother’s drug and alcohol use during pregnancy. FAS can lead to a range of developmental impairments, including learning disabilities, poor motor skills, behavioral problems, and difficulties with social interactions.
The sheriff shared that raising children with special needs, particularly those adopted from orphanages or abusive environments, has been a difficult but rewarding journey for their family. He acknowledged that young adults with developmental disabilities often face unique challenges in integrating into society, which can sometimes lead to involvement in the justice system. "As many people in the community understand, young adults with such difficulties often end up in the justice system," Sheriff Waybourn said. "It is a sad reality for these individuals who don't have resources to help them assimilate into society in a traditional way."
Despite the current hardship, Sheriff Waybourn continued to advocate for adoption, particularly for children who may come from troubled backgrounds. "To those who are considering adoption, please do not let this situation scare you away from that noble plan," he urged. "Advocating for children through adoption can bring blessings to both you and the children. This is a speed bump in the road of our journey, and we will all come out on the other side."
While Sheriff Waybourn holds a public position, his son William is not a public figure. The family has requested privacy as they navigate through this challenging situation and cope with the repercussions of the events.
The investigation and legal proceedings will continue under the jurisdiction of the Arlington Police Department and the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office.
