Deputy Chief of Police Roger J. Anthony, 44, who was charged with driving while intoxicated and has been suspended indefinitely without pay has pleaded guilty.
Anthony pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired by alcohol, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. He could also face a conditional discharge, according to officials. That said, it’s the most Anthony could have hoped for in the situation after his vehicle was found in a ditch near Half Acre Rd.
He had a blood-alcohol content of .18 percent, according to the original police report. Anthony was operating his personal vehicle, and his defense attorney said that his plea deal was the type of thing anyone facing those charges would’ve been offered.
Anthony had been charged with first-offense driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated.
RELATED: Deputy Police Chief arrested for DWI after car found in ditch
His attorney, Rome Canzano, told the Auburn Citizen that Anthony has maintained the support of city officials. “It’s my understanding that Deputy Chief Anthony has the full support of council, the city manager, the police chief and obviously myself,” Canzano told the Citizen. “He will have to make amends to his superiors in the city and to the community at large and his family, and he fully intends to do that.”
City Manager Jeff Dygert had said before any court appearances that more information would be necessary before the city would make a concrete ruling on the matter. As of now Anthony’s status with the force remains unchanged.
Chief Shawn Butler had said during a press conference announcing the suspension that he would not be replacing Anthony before any final decisions were made on his future.
According to those city officials, Anthony also has a completely clean disciplinary record with the force. He joined the Auburn Police Department in January 1997.
