NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. -- The state jury commissioner faces a charge of driving under the influence after state police say the car he was driving rear-ended another vehicle at Route 4 and Oak Hill Road.
The state police arrested John T. O'Hara, 56, of 3621 Tower Hill Rd., Wakefield, after responding to a report of an accident around 10:45 p.m., Aug. 15, state police Sgt. Thomas Peck said.
O'Hara had been traveling south on Route 4 when he hit the other vehicle, Peck said. He described the accident as "minor." The other operator was treated at the scene, Peck said.
O'Hara was charged with driving under the influence and refusing to submit to a chemical breath test, Peck said. He was held overnight at the state police barracks in Wickford, and pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence at his arraignment Friday, Peck said.
He was appointed Rhode Island jury commissioner in 2009 after serving as associate commissioner for eight years. He began working for the courts in 1998, and earns $106,119, with longevity, according to courts spokesman Craig N. Berke.
O'Hara has been in state service since 1977, previously working with the sheriffs department.
The jury commissioner is responsible for identifying and summoning qualified jurors to sit on petit juries and grand juries under the authority of the Superior Court, the state's trial court of general jurisdiction.
Superior Court Presiding Justice Alice B. Gibney and courts administrator Joseph V. Conley are aware of the charges, Berke said.
"The administration is going to let this play out in the court system, as with any other citizen," Berke said.