Tennessee secretary of state Tre Hargett was accused of driving under the influence of alcohol when he was leaving the Bonnaroo festival last weekend.
Former state House minority leader Tre Hargett, 53, has been the elected Tennessee Secretary of State for approximately 13 years.
On the afternoon of June 17, Hargett was an attendee of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival on the 700-acre farm dubbed Great Stage Park.
According to their website, the Bonnaroo festival, a 4-day event held in Manchester, Tennessee, has “10+ performance stages, 4 campground party barns” for their 150+ musicians.
Around 11:30 PM, Hargett departed from Bar 315.
Officers with the Tullahoma Police Department encountered Hargett, and they believed the man was driving under the influence.
Hargett had his blood drawn to see his current blood-alcohol level.
After his test concluded, Hargett was placed under arrest and booked into the Coffee County Jail on suspicion of DUI. He was released approximately 6 hours later after posting a $2,000 bond. He is scheduled for a court hearing on the charges on July 14.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) gave a statement about the allegations. They expressed that “When an elected official decides to drive impaired, their actions not only threaten the lives of innocent people but also undermine the very laws and protections they are sworn to uphold.”
Hargett stated that he “regret(s) the circumstances” of the situation, and he plans to fully cooperate with the investigation. He added that he trusts the legal process.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a DUI offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.