Western Michigan mayor quits after being jailed in alcohol case

Scottville Mayor Joe Baxter quits after violating sentence terms in impaired drive case

Published On: Mar 12 2013 03:13:56 PM EDT
SCOTTVILLE, Mich. -

A mayor from western Michigan has resigned after being jailed for violating terms of his sentence for impaired driving.

Scottville Mayor Joe Baxter was charged after driving his truck into a ravine Oct. 18, 2012.

He pleaded no-contest to impaired driving March 4.

A no contest plea isn't an admission of guilt, but is treated as such for sentencing purposes.

Ludington District Judge Pete Wadel ordered him to pay $1,145, stay sober, take an alcohol and driving course and attend a victim impact group.

The judge also said Baxter could serve 93 days in jail sometime within the next year.

The Ludington Daily News says Baxter was arrested Tuesday for violating sentencing terms and submitted his resignation.

Mayor Pro-tem Dick Maki becomes acting mayor of the city of 1,200.

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