Anti-DUI Chief Arrested on DUI Charges

Sometimes life has a funny way of working out.  This especially holds true when a man responsible for running a California anti-DUI program gets arrested for DUI himself.

Thomas Newell, a supervisor in the Sonoma County Department of Health Services' drug and alcohol services division, was arrested Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.

The officers who spotted Newell driving recklessly believe he was under the influence of a pain killer. Toxicology tests are still pending, and will not be available for several weeks.

Newell said he has been taking prescription pain medication for the chronic pain he's been experiencing following five knee surgeries and a hip replacement.  Newell says the reason he was driving recklessly was because he wasn't feeling well.

In a written statement, Newell's supervisor, Gino Giannavola, said he Newell been placed on leave.

If Newell is ultimately convicted of the charges, he could face up to $1,000 dollars in fines, imprisonment, license suspension, and mandatory DUI classes.

For more information, click here to find a DUI lawyer near you.