MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ky. (LEX News) — A Powell County official is facing charges in Montgomery County after being accused of driving under the influence.
Carmen McKinney faces charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle.
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office arrested McKinney on Aug. 28 on Indian Mound Drive, where deputies had established a traffic safety roadblock. According to the arrest citation, deputies said McKinney drove past the roadblock after a detective instructed her to stop.
According to the citation, deputies reported seeing multiple open beer cans in the backseat when they approached McKinney's vehicle. The citation states that McKinney exhibited slurred speech, heavily bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcohol. Deputies wrote that McKinney told them she had been at the lake and had consumed one beer.
The citation states deputies conducted field sobriety tests and observed several signs of impairment. According to the report, McKinney swayed heavily and was unable to keep her head still during testing. Deputies wrote that they stopped one portion of the exam after she stumbled and nearly fell into the roadway.
According to the citation, deputies arrested McKinney and searched her vehicle, where they found approximately 15 empty beer cans, including some underneath the driver's seat, as well as multiple prescription medications. Investigators wrote that McKinney refused a preliminary breath test at the scene and later refused a breath test after being taken to jail. Deputies said she later consented to a blood test at St. Joseph Mount Sterling. The citation notes the blood test results were pending.
LEX News has confirmed McKinney serves as the Powell County Property Valuation Administrator. She was elected to the office under the name Carmen Rogers.
Powell County Judge-Executive Eddie Barnes released the following statement to LEX News:
"I do know that she was arrested for DUI. I am not going to pass judgment without all the facts. I will say that she is a well-respected community leader here and does an exceptional job as the county's PVA."Court records show McKinney is scheduled to appear in Montgomery District Court on Sept. 7 to answer the charges. The charges remain allegations, and McKinney is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
