Henderson County, TX — Joshua Lee Seale was sentenced to 15 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after being convicted of Driving While Intoxicated 3rd or More, according to the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office.
The case was heard in Judge Mark Calhoon’s court, with Assistant District Attorney Jeff Herrington representing the State.
Prosecutors said Seale’s punishment was enhanced because of his criminal history, which included two prior DWI convictions. His record also included a previous prison sentence for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Assault on a Public Servant, along with multiple convictions for theft, Possession of a Controlled Substance and other offenses.
The latest case stemmed from a February 3, 2025 traffic stop in Gun Barrel City. Police said Officer Greg Ceraso stopped Seale around 10:09 p.m. after he allegedly ran a red light on West Main Street.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Ceraso detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana and observed that Seale had bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech. Prosecutors said Seale admitted to drinking five beers, and officers also observed a whiskey bottle, a box of Twisted Tea and a vodka bottle inside the vehicle.
Seale was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. Officers also reported finding marijuana in his front pocket.
District Attorney Jenny Palmer said the 15-year sentence reflects the seriousness of repeated impaired-driving offenses and the danger they pose to the public.