Rockford police sergeant pleads guilty in DUI case

[John Doe Jr]

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) – A Rockford Public Safety sergeant has pleaded guilty to an amended drunk driving charge as part of a plea deal and will be suspended from the force until he gets his driver’s license back, according to authorities.

Sgt. Aaron Sawyer was arrested on May 31 and accused of driving “super drunk” – which means having a blood alcohol content of 0.17 or higher – after he was pulled over for speeding while off duty. When tested, Sawyer’s BAC was 0.17.

The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office offered him a plea dealin early July in which he would be charged with operating while intoxicated instead of “super drunk.”

Friday, Sawyer accepted that plea deal in 63rd District Court and made a public apology. He was sentenced, under a judge who was brought in from Ottawa County to avoid a conflict of interest, to 12 months probation, fines and court costs and 93 days in jail with credit for 1 day served. He will only have to serve the remaining 92 days during his probation if the court deems it necessary.

Sawyer’s attorney told 24 Hour News 8 that the sergeant will be suspended from the Rockford Department of Public Safety until he’s able to drive again.

http://woodtv.com/2015/07/17/rockford-police-sergeant-pleads-guilty...

[XLFD]

Until he's able to drive again (legally) means up to 30 days without driving privileges and 150 days with restrictions. 

Then he gets back on the force and is able to protect you from those who egregiously break the law and endanger the public safety.  Like he did, and likely will in the future.  Michigan keeps no drunk driving recidivism (repeat offense) statistics, but states like Pennsylvania have just under a 70% rate. 

[Jasper]

Are you following the story of the Van Buren County Deputy?  Deputy Todd Oliver?  This is totally and completely unbelievable.  Smacking my head over this one!!    

[Willy]

He should not be suspended. He should be fired. How in good conscience can this officer ticket or arrest someone for alcohol related offenses without being impartial to someone he deems as "being in his shoes" and what kind of message does his continued employment send to younger individuals.