A New Palestine town official recently spent a few days in the Shelby County Jail.
Stephen Pool, street commissioner for the town of New Palestine, spent three days in jail as part of his sentencing on charges of operating while intoxicated-endangerment, according to court records.
Pool was booked into the Shelby County Jail on Jan. 16 and released on Jan. 19 and was initially arrested in September, 2019 on the misdemeanor charge.
Pool has served as the town’s street commissioner since September of 2016. In 2016, he was paid $14,654.20. According to documents, he was paid $55,054.43 in 2018 and is set to make just over $56 thousand in 2019.
Court records show that Pool entered a guilty plea and as a result, Pool was sentenced to 365 days, all suspended except 10 days, accrued time of two days plus two credit days. The suspended time shall be served on probation of 355 days.
In addition, Pool’s license has been suspended for two years, followed by a year license suspension ordered to be served consecutively.
As part of his probation, Pool cannot commit another offense, nor can he use any controlled substance, drug, intoxicant or other mind-altering substance unless prescribed by a physician. Pool will be subject to random alcohol and drug screens as directed by his probation officer and must successfully complete any education or treatment program that is deemed appropriate in a timely manner at his expense.
Furthermore, Pool must submit to an assessment through the Shelby County Alcohol and Drug Assessment Program and pay all associated fees, as well as not consume any beer, wine, liquor or any consumable ethyl alcohol or enter any establishment where alcohol is sold by the drink for the consumption on the premises or the business’ primary purpose without written consent from his probation officer. Finally, Pool must successfully attend and complete the MADD Victim Impact Panel.
Town council member Bill Niemier told Giant FM that it is a personnel issue that will be “properly addressed in due course.”
Brandee Bastin, town council president, echoed those sentiments. Bastin also told Giant FM it is a personnel matter that will be discussed in an executive meeting, which she hopes will occur this week.
