Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that Steven J. Jones has entered into a diversion program.
On August 14, 2018, Jones pleaded no contest to driving under the influence of intoxicants, a Class A misdemeanor.
On December 5, 2018, Jones pleaded no contest to reckless driving, a Class A misdemeanor.
As part of his plea agreement, Jones agreed to pay $38,239.95 in restitution, within 60 days, to the City of Portland. He received a three month suspended driver’s license.
Jones is currently employed with the City of Portland as a member of the Portland Police Bureau.
Like with most first time DUII offenders, the defendant was given the opportunity of participating in the Multnomah County DUII Diversion Program. Upon successful completion of the program, the defendant will be able to withdraw his pleas and have the charges dismissed.
As part of the conditions of the Multnomah County DUII Diversion Program, defendants must pay the required diversion fees to the court, pay restitution, complete an alcohol and drug abuse assessment, complete any recommended treatment, attend a victim impact panel, not use any alcohol or other intoxicants, including marijuana during the terms of the diversion agreement, keep the court informed of a current mailing address and install and use an approved ignition interlock device.
The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office has been informed that Jones has completed his DUII Diversion Program requirements. He will remain on probation for one year. If upon a year, the defendant is successful with his probation, he will be able to withdraw his no contest pleas to DUII and reckless driving and have the charges dismissed.
This investigation began on June 28, 2018 when a witness reported he observed an SUV pass him near the intersection of Southwest 1st Avenue and Southwest Arthur Street in Portland, Oregon. The witness reported the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it traveled onto the median and crashed into a light pole and a tree.
The operator of the vehicle was determined to be Jones. The witness reported that he stopped to check on the driver of the SUV, but the driver initially held his door shut from the inside and said that he was a police officer and that police were already responding.
Upon arrival, law enforcement observed Jones smelled of alcohol and was swaying.
A trooper with Oregon State Police was called to the scene to conduct a DUII investigation. The trooper noted signs of intoxication and administered standard field sobriety tests. Jones consented to a breath test, which showed a blood alcohol content level of .10%
The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office will have no additional comment on this matter.
Source: Multnomah County District Attorney