UPDATE: Two Bibb Deputies Face Reprimands And Unpaid Suspension After Traffic Stop

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two Bibb County deputies are facing reprimands and unpaid suspension after failing to follow procedure during a traffic check point last month.

Bibb County Sheriff Jerry Modena says Captain Alden Washington will receive five days of unpaid suspension. Sergeant Bruce Jordan will receive three days of unpaid suspension. Both men will serve a 90 day probationary period.

Washington will also be sent to a 16 hour course on professional ethics training. Jordan will be reassigned to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office HEAT Unit to regular patrol operations.

Sheriff Modena says Washington and Jordan did not follow proper procedure during a roadside check on September 22. Superior Court Judge Howard Simms was stopped on Lamar Street and officers smelled alcohol. A breath test was conducted and Simms registered a 0.083, which is over the legal limit. No other field tests were conducted. Sheriff Modena says Washington let Simms drive home.

Deputy Robert Scarborough was also there during the traffic stop, but Sheriff Modena says he was not involved in the decision to let Simms go and will not be disciplined.

After making his announcement during a 2 p.m. press conference, Sheriff Modena also had harsh words for the media who was trying to get details on this case.

“Most of you have just hounded and tied this office up and that’s not necessary ladies and gentlemen. It is not necessary,” he said. “I swore back in 2000 I would keep this office open and that’s what I’ve done. The last two to three days you’ve tied up my phones. I have other things I have to do rather than try to give you information.”

According to Bibb County Sheriff PIO Sean DeFoe, any action against Simms will not be handled by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.