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An officer from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Justin Marino, was arrested and charged for allegedly drinking under the influence on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Marino was reportedly off-duty when he was arrested while driving his patrol car. Sheriff T.K. Waters confirmed that Marino has been suspended.
According to his arrest report, Justin Marino was returning from a woman's place, after having an argument. An unidentified source claimed that the woman was reportedly his former lover. The police officer had been visiting the woman randomly even though she didn't consent to that. Authorities claimed that anybody who violated the law would be held responsible.
JSO Officer Justin Marino arrested for allegedly driving under influence on Tuesday shortly after midnight
Justin Marino, a JSO Officer, was arrested on Tuesday, for driving under the influence. The arrest reportedly took place after a domestic dispute that Marino had with his girlfriend. Following the argument, she allegedly asked him to leave, but he refused to do the same.
Officers noticed several signs of impairment in Marino including, "bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred words", and also that he smelled of alcohol. They claimed that the officer shouldn't have been driving in the condition they found him in. Action News Jax Law and Safety expert Dale Carson said
"I mean, it can be devastating to deal with many different crimes and cases that often confront police officers."
A local driver, identified as Billy Meadow has mentioned that he agrees that anybody who violates the law should be apprehended. Meadow said that as an officer, Marino should have been a little more concerned and thoughtful of his behavior.
"But we’re all people, we’re all human. And we make mistakes. And I’d think an officer like that should get counseling," Meadow noted.
Marino has been employed at the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, for about four years. He is currently suspended without pay, while an internal investigation is being conducted the unearth further details in the recent DUI case.
An internal investigation is conducted to look into the matter
Fraternal Order of Police President in Jacksonville, Randy Reaves, spoke about the case.
"I think it’s good for public trust, to see that Sheriff Waters is out there holding everybody accountable," Reaves said.
Reaves added:
"To drive intoxicated, is going to be criminal, whether you’re on duty or off duty, again, the sheriff’s office conducted their investigation and made the arrest."
Justin Marino was taken to a nearby gas station where he was arrested after he left his girlfriend's place. It was revealed that Marino is the fifth JSO officer who has been taken into custody, this year.
Sheriff T. K. Waters additionally said that no one was above the law and if someone in the department committed the crime, they would fully investigate the allegation.
"If investigators find that there is probable cause to support that arrest, or that allegation, this agency will hold that employee accountable," Sheriff Waters said.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that Marino refused to take field sobriety tests.
