PEA RIDGE — A former Pea Ridge councilman pleaded guilty Tuesday to a driving while intoxicated charge.
John Anthony Cody also pleaded guilty in Pea Ridge City Court to driving while license suspended.
Cody was a candidate for justice of the peace when he was arrested.
Although witnesses were subpoenaed to testify, Cody changed his plea to guilty during court.
Cody, who was Garfield water superintendent at the time, was charged March 16 with DWI when he arrived at a Pea Ridge City Council meeting intoxicated, then drove to his home in Pea Ridge. He was arrested again April 16 for driving with a suspended license when he drove a Garfield city vehicle to a Pea Ridge City Council meeting. His employment with Garfield was terminated in April.
On the DWI charge, Cody was fined $700 fines and costs. A $100 public defender fee was also levied. Public Defender Michael Roberson represented Cody.
On the charge of driving with a suspended license, Cody received $325 in fines and costs, plus 20 days of public service in lieu of 10 days in jail.
Cody told Judge John Skaggs he is residing in Blue Springs, Mo. Skaggs ordered him to complete an alcohol class in his area equivalent to 12 hours of a drug and alcohol safety education program.