Superior Court Judge Enters Rehab After Traffic Stop
NewsCentral Staff
Story Created:
Sep 25, 2012 at 9:07 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Sep 25, 2012 at 11:36 PM EDT
Bibb Superior Court was quiet today as Judge Howard Simms cancels proceedings to check in to a rehab center.
Simms got stopped at a roadblock Saturday when deputies say they smelled alcohol coming from the Judge's vehicle.
Simms allegedly blew a .083 on a breathalyzer test but instead of arresting Simms with DUI, Sheriff Modena says his Deputy made a judgement call to let him go.
"We're looking into it. That's why we're doing an ongoing investigation to see if there was any impropriety." -Jerry Modena/Bibb County Sheriff
If this sounds familiar to you there's good reason.
Some viewers may recall a similar incident between Simms and the Macon Police Department back in 2010.
That incident had many in the community crying police favoritism for Simms who was then District Attorney.
Sergeant Lisa Sapp pulled Simms over on Vineville Avenue and reported that she did smell alcohol, but when asked Simms said he had not been drinking. Sergeant Sapp then drove Simms to Freedom Park where his son was playing baseball.
Now the Sheriff's Office is investigating if a similar situation unfolded Saturday, as some have alleged.
"No Deputies did not drive him home. Not by any Bibb County Deputies or any other law enforcement that I'm aware of." -Jerry Modena/Bibb County Sheriff
In the meantime Simms has cleared his court calendar and is making arrangements to enter an inpatient addiction treatment center.
Simms also issued this statement which reads, "First, I want to apologize for the hurt and embarrassment i have caused my family, friends and supporters. Drinking and driving is a serious issue and it is not acceptable conduct for anyone, much less a Superior Court Judge"
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