Fake Plates, Real DUI

(HENRY, Neb.) — A 23-year-old Keenesburg, Colo. man was sentenced Wednesday to 45 days in jail and ordered to pay a $500 fine in connection with an August drunk driving arrest in Henry, Neb., according to court documents.

Jerry Dalton Jones entered a guilty plea in Scotts Bluff County Court to an amended charge of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher, a Class W misdemeanor. Additional charges of possessing an open alcohol container and displaying fictitious license plates were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, law enforcement officers responded to Henry on Aug. 25 around 4:38 p.m. following a report of an intoxicated driver operating an older-model Ford F-150. An anonymous reporting party directed officers to a park, where deputies located a white Ford F-150 displaying fictitious Colorado license plates.

Deputies observed Jones lying across the front bench seat of the truck. Inside the vehicle, officers noted an open Coors beer can in the center console and three open Coors Banquet boxes in the driver’s side foot area.

When instructed to exit the pickup, Jones was unsteady on his feet and almost fell multiple times, according to the affidavit. Deputies noted a strong odor of alcohol coming from Jones, whose eyes were watery and bloodshot. Jones was transported to Regional West Medical Center for a blood draw after consenting to chemical testing.

During Wednesday’s hearing, County Court Judge Kristen D. Mickey sentenced Jones to 45 days in jail with credit for 51 days already served. Jones’ driver’s license was revoked for six months, and he was ordered to install an approved ignition interlock device on any motor vehicle he operates following the required non-driving period.

Judge Mickey also ordered Jones to pay $175 in court costs and lab fees. Payment of $675 in total fines and costs was suspended until Nov. 13, at 8:00 a.m., when a show cause hearing is scheduled in Scotts Bluff County Courtroom 2.