Uhland Mayor Lacee Duke has resigned from office less than six months after her December 3, 2025 arrest on a felony charge, closing a turbulent stretch for the small Central Texas city. Duke was indicted by a Caldwell County grand jury on a charge of misapplication of fiduciary property valued between $150,000 and $300,000. The allegation stemmed from an investigation by the Texas Rangers and the Caldwell County Criminal District Attorney’s Office into the alleged improper disbursement of $250,000 in city funds connected to the 2024 Uhland Fall Fest. Duke was released after bond was set at $20,000, and during the pendency maintained her innocence and pledged not to resign.

Charge carried major criminal exposure

Under Texas law, the value range alleged in the indictment places the offense in second-degree felony territory, exposing Duke to a possible sentence of two to 20 years in prison if convicted. The arrest immediately drew public concern because Duke remained in office after being booked into the Caldwell County Jail, with Duke initially saying she would continue to serve as mayor. That turned the case into a municipal political crisis as residents began openly debating whether she should remain mayor while the prosecution moved forward. The legal case and the public pressure that followed became intertwined almost from the start.  

Petition effort amplified pressure on City Hall

Soon after the arrest, a Change.org petition calling for Duke’s removal began circulating and quickly became a focal point for public frustration. The petition was created on December 5, 2025, and, as of Wednesday, displayed 310 verified signatures, well above its original target of 201.

Election results appear to have marked a turning point

That standoff changed after Uhland’s May 2026 election, even though Duke’s term was not scheduled to expire until 2027. Duke said she could not continue serving alongside people who “subvert law, order and justice,” tying her departure to the city’s newly elected leadership and the direction of local government after the vote. Her resignation letter said she was stepping down with “the heaviest of hearts,” and city officials said a special City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, to formally accept the resignation and discuss how the vacancy will be filled.

---

---

Disclaimer

The content provided in this publication is for educational and informational purposes only. The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News strives to deliver accurate and impactful stories. However, readers are advised to seek professional legal counsel and guidance for their specific legal inquiries and concerns. The publication does not assume any responsibility for actions taken by individuals based on the information presented. 

Additionally, while every effort is made to ensure the reliability of the information, the publication does not warrant the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the content. Readers are encouraged to verify any legal information with official sources and to use their discretion when interpreting and applying the information provided.

A Couple of Our Other Reads

You may be interested in our publishing about a Texas judge filing a lawsuit over same-sex wedding refusals.

Or you may find our publishing on a TABC agent receiving a stipend for a degree he didn’t hold, of interest. 

Follow Us on Social Media

If you are interested in staying updated on matters about your government in Texas and other important stories, trust The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News to provide reliable information that matters to you. You can follow us on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, Reddit, YouTube, Tumblr, and LinkedIn to stay connected and informed.

FACEBOOK: TheHawksEyeNews
INSTAGRAM: Hawk_s_Eye_C_and_N
X: TheHawksEyeNews
REDDIT: TheHawksEyeCN
YOUTUBE: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News
TUMBLR: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News
LINKEDIN: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News