Judge finds probation violations but keeps Ronnie Green on probation, orders ISF, JCDI and reimbursement

Judge presiding over the 252nd District Court found allegations that Ronnie Green displayed a fictitious or expired license plate and possessed cash consistent with criminal proceeds true by a preponderance of the evidence, but stopped short of revoking probation and instead ordered treatment and financial remedies.

The hearing centered on a March 3, 2025 traffic stop of a silver Volkswagen and the admissibility of evidence recovered after a K9 free‑air sniff. Officer Rosindo Lopez testified that the vehicle displayed a paper temporary plate that the patrol MDT flagged as expired, that Green was the driver and that substantial bundled cash was plainly visible in the car. Officer Tiffany Williams, the K9 handler, testified that her dog Athena showed a change-of‑behavior response at the driver‑side window and later alerted to one bag of money at the police station. The defense argued the dog’s interaction — including the dog’s nose entering the vehicle — could constitute an unconstitutional intrusion and sought suppression.

The court reviewed body‑worn and dash‑camera footage and heard testimony from probation staff and a Texas Department of Public Safety special agent about a prior 2024 traffic stop and narcotics seizures involving Green. The judge ruled the totality of the circumstances provided probable cause independent of the dog’s response, citing the expired/irregular plate, cash in plain view bundled in small increments and the officer’s prior knowledge of narcotics‑related contacts.

At trial‑recorded interview and at the bench, Green testified that the money — about $25,560 according to police inventory — was personal and represented proceeds from selling vehicles, generators and other items advertised on Facebook Marketplace and that he normally kept cash at home. The defense introduced copies of Marketplace listings and bank statements showing modest account activity and multiple cash withdrawals over time.

The court weighed those competing accounts and found the state had met the preponderance standard on the two probation allegations. Instead of revocation, the judge exercised discretion to continue Green on probation with the following conditions: admission to and successful completion of an intermediate sanction facility (ISF) cognitive treatment track (90 days), followed by participation in JCDI (community‑supervision program) upon release; mandatory compliance with treatment recommendations; and financial reimbursement to the state for the ISF costs from the seized proceeds. The court directed counsel to coordinate with Chambers County regarding the defendant’s pending related indictment and any inter‑county logistics so Green can complete the ordered programming.

The court also noted prior probation infractions in the record (positive drug tests) and relied on probation and law‑enforcement testimony in fashioning the order. Defense counsel indicated they would seek coordination with Chambers County to allow Green to complete the ordered programs despite pending matters there. The court left open the option to revisit timing or hold the ISF placement in abeyance only if logistics beyond the parties’ control required it.

The judge’s written orders will set the effective dates and provide payment instructions for the reimbursement condition; counsel was told to prepare and submit proposed orders reflecting the court’s disposition.