UPDATE: Macon-Bibb Commissioner-Elect Explains Monday’s Arrest

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A newly elected Macon-Bibb commissioner was behind bars Monday.

According to Macon police spokeswoman, Jami Gaudet, 29-year-old Virgil Watkins was taken to jail after officers pulled him over for a traffic violation around 4pm.

Gaudet told 41NBC the officers discovered there was a hold on him for an outstanding warrant in Dooly County.

41NBC caught up with Watkins over the phone after his release tonight.

He said there was a bench warrant out for his arrest, after he failed to appear in court for a ticket he got while driving on I-75 in Dooly County.

He said the ticket was issued in late September, or early October, when he was pulled over for an expired registration.

The fine was due in November. Watkins admits he forgot to pay it, and that’s why there a bench warrant out for his arrest.

He was able to pay the fine tonight in Bibb County instead of being extradited down to Dooly.

Watkins also added he wasn’t committing any traffic violations today when he was pulled over on Vineville Avenue. He suspects police were alerted to the hold through tag readers.

“I would like to commend everyone involved with me today. Everyone was very professional and courteous, from the officers who pulled me over, to the deputies who handled me in jail,” said Watkins.

Watkins was elected as the Macon-Bibb commissioner for District 8 in a run-off election in October. He’s set to take office at the end of the month right before the city and county officially merge.