No Punishment for Drunk Driving Cop

Unmarked Dodge Durango police truck crashed by Lieutenant Jaime Mathews while drunk driving.

Lieutenant Jaime Matthews had just finished guzzling alcohol at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, when he got behind the wheel of an unmarked Dodge Durango police truck on March 26, around 12:19 am, and began the seventeen-minute drive home.

Matthews' inebriated journey prematurely ended thirteen minutes later after he crashed into the back of a semi-truck at the intersection of Crain Highway and Croom Road. A Seat Pleasant Police Department Sergeant responded to the scene along with Maryland State Troopers and Chief Devan Martin, who resigned in April while being investigated for unrelated misconduct.

Martin had long known of Matthews' penchant for boozing. And drunk driving. But Martin condoned the drinking as he did of most misbehavior. Matthews' excessive drinking habits were also no secret to other employees. Nor were his regular visits to the FOP Lodge, which operates a bar exclusively for cops.

According to sources, Matthews was transported home without field sobriety or breathalyzer testing, even though his intoxication was apparent to everyone on the scene. The same sources told DBlastMedia that Martin dissuaded Matthews from seeking medical attention because blood tests would show alcohol content. The semi-truck driver was not injured in the crash.

Matthews returned to work within days. His reward, the department's new bloodhound dog, and months of specialized training. Canine handling is a highly coveted role among law enforcement professionals. So, it's something usually reserved for well-behaving officers. On May 19, the Seat Pleasant Police Department posted pictures to Facebook showing Matthews training alongside canine handers from the Bowie Police Department, DC Metropolitan Police Department, Hyattsville Police Department, and Prince George's County Police Department.