Politics & Government

Council President Pelfrey Resigns After DUI Arrest

Pelfrey named council president in January

Updated at 7:06 p.m. Wednesday.

Avon City Council president resigned Wednesday after being arrested for DUI.

Pelfrey was arrested by the Ohio Highway Patrol after being pulled over for speeding on Stoney Ridge Road just south of Detroit Road at 2:06 a.m. on March 30, said Sgt. Charles Gullet of the Ohio Highway Patrol.

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According to records filed with Avon Lake Municipal Court, Pelfrey's blood-alcohol content was a .163, more than twice the legal limit. The DUI charge is a first-degree misdemeanor.

He was also charged with speeding.

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Pelfrey was arraigned Tuesday in Avon Lake Municipal Court. He pleaded not guilty. A pre-trial hearing has been set for April 26.

Pelfrey has been an at-large councilman since 2006, and was appointed president in January. He was not present at Monday's council work session. President pro tem Daniel Zegarac filled in for him.

confirmed Pelfrey's resignation, effective immediately, Wednesday afternoon.

"He was an excellent councilman and council president," Smith said. "He's bright and could handle any work that needed to be done. It's a shame. He made a mistake. But he did the right thing (by resigning)."

Smith said Zegarac will fill in as president at next Monday's meeting, and a president will be voted on at a later meeting.

Council will appoint Pelfrey's replacement for his at-large council seat. More information about applying for the vacancy will be available Monday, Smith said.


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