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Bennett pleads guilty to two misdemeanor charges
On Friday, October 4, Brazil Fire Chief Jake Bennett pled guilty in Clay Superior Court to two misdemeanor charges for his involvement in a January accident involving alleged drunk driving, not notifying the owner of the parked vehicle about the damages, and leaving the scene of the accident.
According to police records from the Sunday, January 7 incident, Bennett allegedly showed poor balance and smelled like alcohol, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.143. The accident occurred near the intersection of Lambert and Illinois streets in Brazil.
Bennett, 49, was remanded to the Clay County Justice Center and bonded out the next morning.
The public support for the Brazil Fire Chief was immediate, knowing the Bennett family's loss of their 19-year-old son, Stuart, on June 18 during a vehicle accident.
The community's concern for Bennett and his family was inspiring, but there are consequences when you are arrested for drinking and driving.
Brazil Mayor Brian Wyndham believes in public officials being transparent with the public in good times and bad.
"Brazil Fire Chief Jake Bennett will have to go through the legal system like anyone would," said Wyndham at the time of the arrest. "Jake is a 28-year veteran without a blemish on his record. We all know the family has experienced a difficult and tragic year. But the City will stand behind Jake and his family through this."
Bennet pled not guilty during his initial court proceedings in January, but he has undergone alcohol treatment and continues with grief counseling.
The state has confirmed that the death of Bennett's son was a "contributing factor in both the mindset and circumstances that led to this incident."
Under the terms of the plea agreement with the court, Bennett was sentenced to 180 days in jail and suspended to six months of informal probation. Bennett will provide proof of insurance restitution and serve 40 hours of community service.