South Bend Common Councilman Henry Davis Jr. entered into a reckless driving plea agreement on Friday. The plea deal stipulates that the councilman be subject to six months of probation and is required to use a Breathalyzer lock on his vehicle for 60 days.
Councilman Davis Jr. was arrested in the early morning hours of July 19 driving in the wrong direction on the US 20 bypass. The arresting officer alleged that Davis Jr. failed multiple sobriety tests and had a .14 blood alcohol level, double Indiana’s legal limit.
The councilman was charged with two counts of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated: one a class C misdemeanor and the other a class A misdemeanor (endangerment). In late July, Davis Jr. announced a temporary leave of absence from the Common Council. A special prosecutor took over the case in August.
Davis Jr. released a written statement following today’s announcement. It reads:
I am humbled and thankful for the unwavering love and support from my wife, family, pastor, church family and supporters. The last few months have been challenging both personally and professionally. The event that played out on Saturday July 19, 2014 exposed a private battle that I have been waging for the past 13 years in a very public manner.
I suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed while in college and have been dealing with the effects of the disease. I treat and have treated my illness and related ailments with a variety of medical protocols over the years. I began a new medication Friday July 18, 2014 which resulted in a negative and harmful interaction that precipitated the event that played out Saturday July 19, 2014.
I provide this as an explanation not as an excuse or a plea for sympathy. I provide this explanation because my wife, family, supporters, and constituents deserve it. I accept that detractors and talking heads will construct their own opinion and/or analysis. That is their prerogative.
Serving the 2nd District is a privilege and I will continue to work hard for the district and the people that reside in the district—a place I love and have called home my entire life. I am moving past this matter and I look forward to serving the people of the 2nd District.
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