Two Central Florida charter school principals are facing DUI charges after being arrested in separate incidents in Clermont just hours apart on the Fourth of July holiday, according to police.
Police say J and A were arrested early July 5 following two traffic stops roughly two hours apart.
According to the Clermont Police Department, officers first stopped a vehicle driven by J after observing it being driven erratically on Minneha Road. Body camera video released by police shows an officer asking J whether she had consumed alcohol.
“Yes, I have,” J responded.
During the stop, the passenger, A, told officers they were both principals.
A is listed as principal of Pinecrest Lakes Academy. On social media, J was announced as the new principal of Pinecrest Academy Tavares in April. Both schools operate under Pinecrest Academy Inc.
Police said J told officers she was driving A home after the two spent the Fourth of July with their children.
According to the arrest affidavit, officers observed signs of impairment, including delayed reactions, the odor of alcohol and poor driving behavior. Police said J declined to perform field sobriety exercises and refused a breath test before she was arrested on a DUI charge.
More than two hours later, police stopped A after officers said she was driving at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and Hooks Street.
According to an arrest affidavit, A had previously been determined to be too impaired to drive and had been placed into a rideshare vehicle following J’s arrest. Police said she was later found driving the same vehicle involved in the earlier traffic stop and told officers she was trying to “bail out” her friend.
Officers conducted field sobriety exercises before arresting A. Police said she also refused to submit to a breath test.
Court records show both J and A have pleaded not guilty to the DUI charges.
Pinecrest Academy Inc. sent News 6 the state it shared with families at the schools:
Dear Pinecrest Academy Families,
We understand that many members of our school community are aware of a situation involving school leadership and may have questions or concerns.
Please know that the Governing Board is aware of the situation.
While personnel matters are confidential and we cannot share specific details, we want to assure you that we take these situations seriously and are committed to acting in the best interest of our students, staff, and school community. The Governing Board consulted with its national co-employer throughout this process and, based on that guidance, has taken the appropriate administrative actions to address this matter.
Most importantly, our students remain safe, supported, and in the care of a dedicated team of educators and staff who are focused on providing an outstanding learning environment each day.
We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued trust in our school.
Pinecrest Academy Inc.
Personalized Legal Support for DUI Accident Cases
Every DUI accident case is unique, which is why Ovadia Law Group offers personalized legal support. Our attorneys take the time to understand your situation and develop a strategy tailored to your needs. We are committed to providing guidance that helps you make informed decisions. Our team handles all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery. With a strong emphasis on client care and legal excellence, we strive to achieve positive outcomes. We understand the challenges that come with DUI accident injuries and are here to support you. If you need trusted legal representation, call Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and let us assist you.
Source: ClickOrlando
