SIGOURNEY — The prosecutor has agreed to dismiss a drunken-driving charge that had been filed against the Keokuk County sheriff.
Washington County Attorney Larry Brock said Friday there was enough evidence to prove Sheriff Jeffrey Shipley was drunk when he was stopped and arrested in Sigourney.
But Brock said other factors led his office to conclude there was a less than 50 percent chance of persuading a Keokuk County jury to convict Shipley. Brock cited Shipley's strong electoral support as one factor.
Brock said the dismissal was conditioned on Shipley's getting alcohol evaluation and treatment.
Shipley pleaded guilty in 2008 to drunken boating. He was off-duty and in a private vehicle when he was arrested in Sigourney on July 27.
Brock's office took over prosecution to avoid conflicts in Keokuk County. — AP
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