Tiger Woods’ ongoing driving under the influence case has drawn worldwide attention, as fans and critics alike watch to see what the verdict will be after he crashed his car near Jupiter Island on March 27. His car clipped a passing pickup truck with a trailer and flipped onto its side, but the father of two was able to escape to safety. 

According to the affidavit released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Department, police allegedly found two white pills in the golfer’s pockets upon searching him, which were identified as hydrocodone, a strong painkiller and highly addictive opioid used to treat severe chronic pain. 

When asked if he was taking any prescription medication, he replied: “I take a few.” Tiger cleared his breathalyzer test, but refused to submit to a urine test. 

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Amid the ongoing case, a concerned local citizen has written to the judge to ask that Tiger be given the maximum sentence for his alleged crimes, and shown no leniency in spite of his fame and fortune.

Wesley Todd, the owner of Florida Prison Consulting LLC, wrote to the judge overseeing Tiger’s case in April and described the athlete’s behavior as “alarming”, given his history of DUI charges and vehicle crashes. “I am writing as a deeply concerned citizen of Martin County, Florida,” he began in the correspondence. 

“This case is being watched far beyond Martin County because it raises one of the most important questions in American justice: whether a famous, wealthy, politically connected defendant will be treated the same as an ordinary citizen.”

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Wesley went on to state that impaired driving, which Tiger was charged with in March, is one of the most dangerous crimes, as “victims are often innocent members of the public who had no choice in the danger placed upon them”. 

See more from the incident below…

The citizen then listed Tiger’s past offences, including his vehicle crash in 2009, his reckless driving charge in 2017, and his rollover crash in 2021. “This pattern is alarming,” he declared. 

Wesley concluded the letter by asking the judge to impose the maximum lawful sentences for each charge, as “this case must not be influenced by celebrity, politics, wealth or personal connections”. 

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“This is not about hatred toward Tiger Woods. This is about equal justice and public safety,” he explained. “Mr Woods has already received leniency in the past. The public now deserves to see that Martin County will enforce the law fairly and firmly, even when the defendant is one of the most famous athletes in the world. Please send a clear message that no person is above the law.”

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Tiger broke his silence days after the crash near Jupiter Island, Florida, via a statement on X. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health,” he began. 

“This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”