'Affluenza' teen's mom is freed from house arrest, returns to bar
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}(Fox 4)
The mother of a Texas teenager who used an "affluenza" defense after he killed four people in a drunken-driving crash was released from house arrest -- and returned to the bar where she's worked, a witness said Wednesday.
Tonya Couch is charged with hindering apprehension of a felon and money laundering. She and her son Ethan took off to Mexico last year after video surfaced apparently showing him at a party with alcohol — a probation violation.
A judge said Tuesday that Tonya Couch no longer need be under house arrest, but must wear an electronic monitor and not consume alcohol or drugs while awaiting trial.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A witness sent Fox 4 a photo showing Tonya Couch tending bar at the Honky Tonk Woman Saloon in Azle, a Fort Worth suburb.
Ethan Couch in April. (Max Faulkner/Star-Telegram via AP, Pool)
At trial, a psychologist blamed "affluenza" — acting irresponsibly due to wealth — for Ethan Couch's actions. He is serving nearly two years in jail for the 2013 fatal crash.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Associated Press contributed to this report.