Ashtabula’s animal control officer charge with DWI

By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

November 18, 2009 12:44 am

— ASHTABULA — The city’s animal control officer is in the dog house, according to Municipal Court reports.
Robert Cevera of Saybrook Township, a 23-year veteran of the city, faces two charges: operating a vehicle while intoxicated and driving left of center, according to Municipal Court records.
Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Scott Slocum stopped Cevera behind the wheel of a 1998 Chevy Nov. 1 in Saybrook, according to court records.
Cevera breath-tested at 0.15, and Slocum seized Cevera’s driver’s license, according to court records.
Non-commercial drivers age 21 and older are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is 0.08 or more, but if there are other infractions, like reckless driving, the driver can be ticketed if the breath test is 0.05 or more, according to Ohio’s drunk driving laws.
At Cevera’s arraignment Nov. 4 in Municipal Court, he appeared with his attorney, William Bobulsky, with Judge Albert Camplese presiding. Cevera pleaded not guilty, records show.
Camplese set a personal recognizance bond at $2,500, under the condition Cevera was not to operate a motor vehicle without a court order.
City Manager Anthony Cantagallo said Tuesday Cevera remains employed with the city and is able to continue his duties as usual, including driving the city vehicle.
If Cevera is convicted of a crime, the city will then deal with the situation, Cantagallo said.
Cevera’s pre-trial is set for 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in Municipal Court.
He has no prior traffic or criminal offenses on his record, according to city and county court records.