US Catholic Archbishop Admits to Drunk Driving

Press TV
October 5, 2012

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2012/10/05/265063/us-catholic-priest-admits-drunk-driving/

Salvatore Joseph Cordileone Roman Catholic archbishop in the western US city of San Francisco has pleaded guilty to the charge of reckless driving.

The Roman Catholic archbishop in the western US city of San Francisco has pleaded guilty to the charge of reckless driving after being originally arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Following a plea bargain with legal authorities, Salvatore Joseph Cordileone entered the guilty plea to a less severe offense of misdemeanor, reckless driving, on Monday in San Diego County Superior Court after he was arrested last August in the southern borderline California city for driving under the influence of alcohol.

A native of San Diego, the American cleric was reportedly stopped at a late-night checkpoint near San Diego State University after having dinner with his mother. He was then transferred to a county jail.

The Catholic cleric was reportedly sentenced to a fine of $1,120, three years probation and participation in a community panel discussion sponsored by a group called Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Despite the infraction, Cordileone, 56, was installed on Thursday as archbishop "amid ceremonial splendor in San Francisco at the Cathedral of St. Mary of Assumption," according to local press reports.