Intoxicated Sheriff Who Damaged 2 Boats When Trying to Dock Sentenced to Home Confinement

An Arizona county sheriff pleaded guilty Thursday to driving a boat and hitting two others trying to dock the boat while intoxicated and was sentenced to probation and two days of home confinement, according to The Associated Press.

Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, 48, was trying to help a friend dock a boat on Lake Powell in August with a blood alcohol well level over the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

He was sentenced to one year of probation, two days of home confinement, about $500 in fees, and was banned from the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which houses Lake Powell, along with not being able to drink alcohol while on probation.

Rhodes allegedly tried to park the boat multiple times with a blood alcohol level that tested at 0.119 percent and 0.113 percent, hitting two other boats nearby which the police report estimated to cause about $2,000 in damages. Rhodes said he paid for the repairs that totaled about $400.

The sheriff in his first term said he deeply regrets the mistake and has completed the required boating safety course and substance abuse treatment program that was part of the plea agreement.

"I should have said no and I didn't, and that's my responsibility," he told U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille Bibles, hearing his case. "Not accepting responsibility was never an option for me."

Bibles said she appreciated that he took responsibility for his actions and didn't try to use his position of authority to avoid punishment. The judge added she would potentially consider ending his probation early if it goes smoothly.

For more reporting from The Associated Press, see below.

Rhodes received two citations — one for operating a boat under the influence and another for operating with a blood-alcohol content of at least 0.08 percent, the legal limit for driving a vehicle in Arizona.

Each misdemeanor citation carried a maximum of six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Rhodes, a Republican, ran unopposed last year and is accountable only to the public. He cannot be disciplined or fired.

Rhodes said he was drinking with family members and friends at the lake on the Arizona-Utah border and they had designated boat operators who weren't drinking.

When his friend had trouble docking a boat, Rhodes said he tried to coach him and they tried to get someone from the marina to help but were told everyone had gone home for the day.

Rhodes tried to do it himself but had difficulty operating the boat amid swirling wind, according to a Coconino County Sheriff's Office report.

The owners of the damaged boats did not seek restitution through the court.

Rhodes, who has worked for the sheriff's office for 28 years, issued a statement days after he was cited, acknowledging wrongdoing.

His lawyer, Stephen Glazer, said that made it a little difficult to defend Rhodes.

"He makes public statements admitting liability — not necessarily great for his defense — but that's just the way he is wired," Glazer said during the hearing. "A wrong was committed, he's going to accept responsibility and make it right."

Bibles said she considered his lack of criminal history, cooperation with law enforcement and taking responsibility in accepting the plea agreement.

"That is something I would expect from an individual in your position," she said.