Ex-Deputy Who Totaled Cruiser Pleads Guilty to Moving Violation

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — A former Wayne County Deputy accused of being drunk when he crashed his patrol car has pleaded guilty to a moving violation.

Matthew Sasser's damaged cruiser was found Sept. 12 on Raines Crossroads Road, a rural Johnston County road 3 miles from the Wayne County line, authorities said. Sasser, 23, left the scene but was arrested by state Highway Patrol troopers when he returned about two hours later.

Sasser's blood-alcohol content was 0.08 percent, the legal limit for intoxication in North Carolina, and he was charged with driving while impaired, authorities said.

He was off duty at the time of the accident, but was in his patrol car and wearing his uniform. Authorities said he had not been authorized to be outside Wayne County in the patrol car.

Wayne County Sheriff Carey Winders fired Sasser the same day as his arrest.

Sasser pleaded guilty to unsafe movement and paid $110 in court costs. He wasn't placed on probation.