Jacksonville 'mayor' accused of DUI, impersonating police officer

After receiving multiple complaints about an unauthorized use of a Jacksonville police car, Telfair County sheriff's deputies arrested the community's mayor behind the wheel.

A news release from Sheriff Chris Steverson, states that Jacksonville's "appointed" mayor John Dopson refused drug tests at the sheriff's office Monday night after he was pulled over in a 2008 blue Dodge Charger patrol car on U.S. 441 near Ga. 117.

"Dopson refused the test and gave a statement to an arresting officer indicating the reason for his refusal was because he knew it would show positive for 'weed,'" the release stated.

Dopson is charged with DUI and impersonating a police officer.

Steverson's release stated that residents complained about Dopson allegedly driving with blue lights flashing and one woman stated Dopson tried to pull her over.

"Although flattered by Dopson's obvious fascination of real law enforcement officers and the services we provide related to public safety, we cannot allow this type of illegal and very dangerous activity to continue," Steverson's release stated.

 

This story was originally published February 2, 2016 at 6:05 AM with the headline "Jacksonville 'mayor' accused of DUI, impersonating police officer."