In a rather ironic twist of fate, Judge Brett Waronicki, a 46-year-old adjudicator from St. Lucie County, Florida, who specializes in overseeing substance abuse cases within the state’s 19th Circuit Court, has found himself on the wrong side of the law. He was recently arrested for driving under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia.
It appears the judge’s expertise in substance-related matters did not extend to his own behavior, as he was pulled over in Jensen Beach after an officer noted his erratic driving—swerving in and out of lanes like a novice navigating a maze.
According to the arrest affidavit, Waronicki’s driving was questionable at best, with reports indicating he failed to maintain a single lane and repeatedly struck the fog line while behind the wheel of his Ford F-150.
The situation escalated when law enforcement, upon making contact with Waronicki, observed telltale signs of impairment: bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the unmistakable scent of an undisclosed alcoholic beverage wafting from his breath.
As reported by WPTV, authorities had been tipped off weeks prior about alleged drug-related activities involving Judge Waronicki. The Martin County Sheriff’s undercover Narcotics unit had been conducting surveillance on him in the lead-up to the arrest.
Further investigation revealed that a canine unit was deployed to search the judge’s Ford F-150, leading to the discovery of what appeared to be cocaine residue found in his wallet, which raises questions not only about his judgment but also about the irony of a judge presiding over cases of substance abuse himself.
Complicating matters, two other passengers in the vehicle were cited for possession of cocaine, painting a rather grim picture of the situation.
In a defiant move, Judge Waronicki refused both a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer, maintaining that he had done nothing wrong—a sentiment that seems at odds with the evidence presented.
WPTV reported:
A Treasure Coast judge is facing serious charges after being arrested Wednesday night in Martin County.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Judge Brett Waronicki of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court was one of three individuals taken into custody during a traffic stop in Jensen Beach.
Waronicki is now facing charges for possession of drug paraphernalia and refusal of a DUI test, according to the sheriff’s office.
The arrest took place at 10:41 p.m. at the intersection of Northwest Jensen Beach Boulevard and Northwest Royal Oak Drive, where law enforcement had been alerted to his questionable driving.
For more details and police body cam footage, be sure to check out WPTV News.
