Commonwealth Attorney Ward resigns
MAYFIELD, Ky. - Mike Ward, Commonwealth's Attorney for Calloway and Marshall counties, resigned this morning as part of a driving under the influence (DUI) guilty plea entered in Graves District Court.
Ward was charged with his second DUI offense on July 11. He previously pled guilty to a DUI charge in Marshall District Court on March 5.
The decision drew comments from Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway.
“I think that this plea agreement is a resolution that will allow us to move forward and insure that appropriate prosecution is provided in the 42nd Judicial Circuit of Kentucky,” Conway said in a release. “I think this sends the message that no one is above the law, and I hope Mike receives the treatment he needs to deal with his addiction.”
As part of the plea agreement, Ward agrees to a six-month jail sentence, a $500 fine, a 12-month suspension of his driver's license and mandatory alcohol treatment.
Gov. Steve Beshear is expected to appoint a new commonwealth attorney for Calloway and Marshall. According to Kentucky statute, Ward's first assistant will serve as his interim replacement.
Ward was scheduled to appear before the Prosecutors Advisory Council next week regarding this DUI charge; however since he is no longer a prosecutor he will not face the council.
Ward is also reportedly being investigated by the Kentucky State Police for unspecified allegations.
Story created Aug 14, 2008 - 15:15:21 EDT.
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