Richmond County deputy resigns after DUI arrest while driving county vehicle
A Richmond County deputy resigned Friday after he was arrested for driving under the influence early Friday morning.
Deputy Jacari Weston was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and improper turn after being involved in a single-vehicle accident on the 1300 block of Marks Church Road around 2:45 a.m. According to the sheriff's office, Weston was driving his county-issued vehicle on his way home from a special duty assignment.
Weston began working as a jailer on Dec. 12, 2020, and transferred to road patrol on June 18, 2021.
Weston is the third Richmond County deputy arrested this year for driving under the influence. Former investigator Wesley Ward was arrested for DUI and failure to maintain lane while in his county-issued vehicle in April. He resigned shortly after.
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In May, Investigator Michael McDonald was arrested in Craven County, N.C., by North Carolina Highway Patrol for driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding. McDonald, who was originally placed on administrative leave, received a five-day suspension, one-year probation and counseling concerning the DUI arrest.
Two other Richmond County deputies have also been arrested this year for other crimes. Deputy Michael Grate was charged with unlawful pointing or presenting a firearm and unlawful carry of a firearm for pointing a gun during a road rage incident.
Deputy Darrol Boxton was charged a misdemeanor charge of forged and counterfeit trademarks, in connection with selling counterfeit items while off duty.
Both resigned from the sheriff's office.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Deputy was driving county-issued vehicle when he was arrested for DUI
