Sheriff’s Office: Bibb Deputies Did Not Follow Protocol When Stopping Judge Simms at Roadblock

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has determined deputies did not follow procedure after allowing a superior court judge to drive home who was allegedly under the influence.

Judge Howard Simms was stopped last Saturday night, September 22nd, at a safety check on Lamar Road in Bibb County.

Today, Bibb County Sheriff Jerry Modena met with his internal affairs investigators to discuss the incident. They determined deputies did not follow proper procedures by not continuing with Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. The tests require the officer to check the eyes, walk, and standing ability of the driver

According to a news release, Simms showed a blood alcohol level of point .083. An officer chose to follow him home instead of arresting him.

The internal investigation is still ongoing, so there’s been no decision yet on disciplinary action for anyone involved in this incident.

We’ll be sure to bring you more on this story tonight at 11 on 41 NBC news.