HAMILTON, Ohio (AP) - An Ohio state lawmaker accused of impaired driving and mishandling a gun has waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Rep. Wes Retherford waived that right Wednesday in a Hamilton courtroom in southwestern Ohio. The case will now be sent to a Butler County grand jury for consideration.
The Republican lawmaker from Hamilton is charged with driving under the influence and improper handling of a firearm in a vehicle.
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office said Retherford was arrested March 12 after a report of a man passed out behind the wheel at a McDonald’s restaurant. Deputies said they found a loaded handgun in a car seat while investigating.
Retherford hasn’t commented publicly on the circumstances of his arrest. A message seeking comment was left at his attorney’s office.
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