Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Officer James John Hoffman Arrested for Drunk Driving

A Bethlehem police officer has been placed on administrative leave while he faces drunken driving and careless driving charges in Bucks County.

James John Hoffman, 28, of Warminster Township was charged Jan. 17 with three counts of drunken driving and careless driving by Warminster police, according to criminal court records.

Hoffman joined Bethlehem police in 2007 and most recently served as a patrol officer.

He surrendered his badge and gun and is on paid administrative duty pending the outcome of his case and an internal investigation, police Commissioner Stuart Bedics said.

Bedics declined to comment on any details surrounding the incident, but said the department was notified within hours of Hoffman's arrest.

Bedics said appropriate discipline will be administered, based on the outcome of the case. That discipline could range from a suspension to termination.

Hoffman is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Feb. 19.

The investigating officer in Hoffman's arrest, Warminster officer Chad Vargo, could not be reached for comment.

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