The police chief in Milledgeville, Georgia, is facing the aftermath of his arrest on drunk driving charges.
The chief was stopped on Aug. 18 near Ivey, Georgia, but only recently appeared in court to enter his plea to the DUI charges.
He has worked at the department since 1986 and now will face trial beginning Dec. 13.
The man, 52, was stopped on Aug. 18 when a Georgia state trooper spotted bright lights on the chief’s 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck, according to a Georgia State Patrol incident report.
He was off duty when he was stopped on Georgia Route 243. The trooper said that when he reached the truck, he smelled alcohol and witnessed the chief slurring his words, as well as the man’s watery and bloodshot eyes. According to the report, a preliminary breath test posted a positive reading.
The police chief post a $2,140 bond and was released from custody in Wilkinson County, Georgia.
After his arrest, the police chief informed the city manager. The chief was put on paid administrative leave while the city conducted an internal investigation. Following the investigation, the city manager announced a two-week suspension for the police chief.
Additionally, the chief’s salary will be cut for six months from the time he returned from suspension, and the chief also must complete the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services DUI Alcohol Reduction Program. He must serve a two-year probation imposed by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
The city manager told the police chief that once the trial is finished, additional disciplinary measures could be enforced.
This case is evidence of why it’s so important to contact a Georgia attorney if you’ve been charged with DUI. Your career could depend on it.