Federal prosecutors say a former North Texas justice of the peace faces up to 10 years in federal prison after admitting to stealing more than $40,000 from Archer County by keeping a portion of the fines people paid to him.
Prosecutors say 63-year-old Joseph Charles Boyle pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
He also faces a $250,000 fine when he's sentenced in March and could be ordered to pay restitution.
Boyle resigned Monday as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2 in Holliday, located near Wichita Falls. In that role, he could impose fines for a variety of violations.
Prosecutors say Boyle would report to the county that the amount received as payment for the fines was less than the amount he received.
