Arrested lawmaker’s political future at risk
State representative from Hamilton faces OVI, firearm charges.
State Rep. Wes Retherford has been charged with OVI and improper handling of a firearm.
The political BUTLER COUNTY — future of a state representative arrested this weekend hinges on the outcome of a felony criminal charge.
State Rep. Wes Retherford, R-Hamilton, whose district includes Hamilton, Fairfield, Ross Twp. and parts of Fairfield, Hanover, and St. Clair townships, has been charged with operating a vehicle while impaired, a misdemeanor, and improper handling of a firearm, a felony.
Both charges were levied after Retherford, who turns 33 today, was found just before 3:30 a.m. Sunday allegedly passed out in his parked Chevy Silverado, which was still running in the drivethru of a Liberty Twp. McDonald’s near Ohio 4 and Liberty-Fairfield Road.
Retherford’s political career could be over if he is convicted of the felony charge.
“No decisions have been made” regarding Retherford’s status in the Statehouse, said Brad Miller, a spokesman for Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger. Miller did confirm that if convicted, Retherford would not be allowed to continue serving as a state representative. Defense attorney and former Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen said “it’s tough” on whether Retherford can shake the felony weapons charge.
“The (Butler County) prosecutor has to sign off on weapons charges,” he said. “But prosecutors are reluctant to reduce weapons charges.”
Retherford’s attorney, Jeff Bowling, declined to comment.
Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser told the Journal-News “there will be zero special treatment given” to Retherford’s case by his office.
Retherford, a married father of two, appeared via video from the Butler County Jail for his arraignment. He kept his head lowered during the brief appearance where bond was set at $2,500.
Bowling attempted to get his client released without having to
post bond, telling a magistrate that bond wasn’t necessary because of Retherford’s ties to the community and stature as a state legislator.
“Mr. Retherford has no criminal record whatsoever that I’m aware of, and he has substantial ties to the community. He’s not going to flee,” Bowling said. “He’s a high-profile individual. I don’t know if he tried to (flee) if he’d even be able to — he’s very recognizable.”
The prosecution said it opposes revoking bond when there are felony charges.
Retherford remained in jail until late Monday morning after he posted bond. His driving privileges have also been revoked.
A woman, who was with her daughter, called police at 3:23 a.m. Sunday to report a man “passed out in the drivethru in his truck,” according to a 911 call obtained by this news outlet.
The caller said the man, later identified as Retherford, was sitting in the drivethru and “he’s not even up to where he orders. He’s just sitting there.”
The incident report states Retherford had a holstered Glock model 23 handgun in the center armrest console of his truck. The handgun was loaded with 16 40-caliber rounds — 15 in a magazine and one in the chamber, which resulted in the felony charge.
Retherford does have a CCW license, according to the sheriff ’s office.
The Butler County sheriff’s deputy who administered a field sobriety test said there was a “strong” smell of alcohol on the breath of the third-term lawmaker and he “was having a difficult time standing up,” according to a report obtained by this news outlet.
“His speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot. He appeared to be confused. He stated he was coming from the bar next door to McDonald’s,” according to the report.
Before his arrest Sunday, Retherford attended the Butler County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner at the Oscar Event Center in Fairfield. During that event, Retherford told several attendees that he planned to go to The Grandstand, a bar and grill in Liberty Twp., after the dinner.
The deputy said he stopped the sobriety test when Retherford “nearly fell over.”
“I stopped the test for his safety,” the report states.
Retherford was transported to the Ohio State Highway Patrol post to take a Breathalyzer test, which he refused. He was then transported to the Butler County Jail.
Many of Retherford’s Statehouse colleagues have declined to comment on the lawmaker’s arrest — state Rep. Keith Faber, R-Celina, deleted a tweet he posted of all Ohio House members that attended the Butler County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner. Most have simply offered “thoughts and prayers” to Retherford and his family.
State Rep. Candice Keller, R-Middletown, said she was “very sad” when she heard of the arrest and “will be praying for Rep. Retherford and his family.”
State Rep. Margy Conditt called it “a sad situation” and will “pray that he gets the help that he needs.”
Karen Kennedy, 36, of West Chester Twp., ate Monday at the 24-hour McDonald’s where Retherford was arrested.
“People are so upset because he’s a politician,” she said. “I’m more concerned that he was passed out in his car after drinking.”
Retherford’s arrest sets a bad example, she said, especially with underage drinking making headlines — such as the Miami University freshman who died after a night of excessive drinking.
“It is awful to get so drunk you pass out while driving,” she said. “It’s what we tell young kids all the time and adults — don’t drink and drive.”
Alan Wilson, 55, of Liberty Twp. said he felt all of the attention over Retherford’s arrest is deserved.
“Hopefully he will not be on the road like that again,” he said.