Politicians build careers on promises, power, and public image. >> Oh, no way, dude. Really? >> Yes. Yes. I was just taking I was just on my way back from court. >> Oh, you were literally choking in your sleep. Somebody flagged me down about it. >> Oh, I have sleep apnea. I'm sorry. >> Well, and then you have crack pipe in your hands. All that white powder, is that >> That's PCP. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's definitely That's definitely >> But behind closed doors, some live very different lives. >> Pull out the card right there. >> Okay. >> And call your sergeant. >> Okay. All right. I have a sergeant, Slater. >> Are we going to or from? >> I can. And I am right now. >> You just detained me, correct? >> All right. That's correct. >> And I'm not supposed to be detained. >> Here are the times when politicians are caught up in drug scandals. Starting with Peter Filliberto, a city councilman who found himself on the other side of the law after a reckless ride and a refused sobriety test. >> What joint you're on tonight? >> Trying to take off from the, man. >> That was a >> You were not. >> No, sir. >> I'm sorry. >> The charges are right now reckless driving. >> Okay. >> With that in mind, you still refuse? >> What? >> Yes or no? >> No. >> On the 11th of February, 2023, officers conducted a traffic stop after spotting a motorcycle speeding and running multiple stop signs. What began as a reckless ride quickly escalated when the rider lost control and fell from the bike. A records check revealed his license was suspended, raising immediate questions about why he had tried to avoid police in the first place. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Officer. Turn it off. Yeah, I got a male on the tape. What the hell are you doing, man? >> Enjoying my night. >> Enjoying your night? Trying to take off on your, man. >> I was not. >> You were not? >> No, sir. >> Stay right there. You have anything on you that's going to poke or stick you? >> No, sir. Okay. >> Huh? Yeah. >> I got a big baby. >> Let me take my stuff out of my pocket. Hold on one second. Huh? >> Don't touch. >> Why are you Why are you running, man? You're not running. >> I had you on the tape. >> When I lit you up over there. Okay. But then But then you just tried to turn around and you fell off your motorcycle and that's why >> I was I was trying to put I was trying to put kickstand up. >> Foxtrot 416 674 >> That's why you're running. >> Why, sir? What? >> Stay thankful. >> Officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol, but that wouldn't be the only issue uncovered that night. >> You got 161? >> Uh 167. >> I'll show you 161. >> 167 is 10-4. >> Yeah. >> Um lights on here? >> Yeah, yeah. >> So, am I staying in the back there? This one? >> I have a dog back there. Don't don't try to hold that. >> I'm going to I'm going to go through the tail light sensor. >> Yeah. You can You can turn around. Relax, man. You can turn around. >> According to the arresting officer, Peter Philiberto was seen exiting a residential neighborhood and appeared to duck toward a wooded area. When the officer activated emergency lights, Philiberto accelerated instead of stopping, only to lose control moments later. The reckless driving was evident. He later refused to submit to a DUI test, further complicating the situation. And additional investigation revealed even more concerns. >> I'm sorry. >> The charges are now reckless driving. Is it BTA or full ride? >> No. That So, she's got an investigation to She She's going to speak to you because we got no odor of alcohol. >> Doing a DUI investigation. >> Oh, that's I've got you. So, she's Mirandizing you so that she can ask you questions about what happened tonight. That's that's why. >> That's fine. >> Okay. So, I already have probable cause for for reckless driving. >> I hear you. >> Okay. Um but the odor of alcoholic beverage is a concern to me, so we're going to conduct to make sure that you're not impaired beyond your faculties or if you are, then we have to do a blood test. >> Go with the verbal commands. I'm sorry. >> No further conversation. >> Is that a yes or a no? >> No. So, no further conversation. >> Okay. >> No. >> no. No further conversation. >> He's not going to answer any questions. Still on the right after he sobriety. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yep. >> Would you like to perform field sobriety exercises? >> No. I don't want to. No, thank you. >> No, thank you. Okay. >> You understand not not doing field sobriety exercises, we still have to take the totality of circumstances and you'll still be charged with driving under the influence. >> Okay. >> You don't have to do the exercises. We can't force you to do them, but we do have to say that you can use it against you in court for not doing them. >> 100%. >> You understand that? >> I would like to do so. >> Give me the the alcohol blood or urine? >> Yep. >> Yep. Of course. You do the urine one also? >> Yeah. >> Okay. You're under arrest for reckless driving and DUI. All right, we're going to go back to this car here. >> You have your implied uh implied consent. Okay. You got something to put on your shirt. >> Peter, do you have anything on you that's going to poke or stick me? I know I asked you before, but >> Absolutely not. >> Okay. Um got to ask. I'm trying to be disrespectful or anything. >> Just my cell phone. >> Okay. >> While they're doing that, I'm going to ask you if you want to submit to a test. I'm going to have to read you something else. If you refuse to take the test that I requested you, your driving privilege will be suspended for a period of 1 year for the first refusal or 18 months if your driving privilege has been previously suspended. Or if you've been previously fined under Florida State Statute 327.35215 for refusing to submit to a lawful test of your breath, urine, or blood. Additionally, if you refuse to take the test out of question, you would and if you're driving while intoxicated previously been suspended or if you've previously been fined under statute 40 to state statute 327.35 3215 for refusing to submit to a lawful test of your breath, urine, or blood, it would be considered a misdemeanor in addition to any other penalties which can be imposed by law. Refusal to submit to the test on request would be considered as evidence in any criminal proceeding. Essentially, have you ever refused to submit to a breath test before? >> I believe so, yes. >> Okay, so if this is your second refusal, your driver's license will be suspended uh suspended for a period of 18 months and you get another misdemeanor charge. >> I understand. >> So, with that in mind, do you still refuse? >> What? >> Yes or no? >> Yes. >> In the end, Peter Philiberto was charged with driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance. Just 1 week later, he resigned from the position. Following the controversy surrounding Peter Philiberto was Dean Davis, an Oklahoma lawmaker seemed convinced that his title alone would shield him from being detained. >> I'm walking away. >> And then you want to tell me about how you're a state representative and that we're going to have this conversation tomorrow. >> They said that they can detain me right now. >> being detained, you're being arrested. >> Pull out the card right there >> Yeah. >> and call your sergeant. >> Okay. All right, I'll call my sergeant. >> You can't or you're going to or I can. And I am right now. >> On the 23rd of March 2023, officers were dispatched to a local bar to clear patrons out after closing time as alcohol service was prohibited beyond 2:00 a.m. Among those still inside was representative Dean Davis who quickly became argumentative and refused to set the drink down when instructed. What began as a routine enforcement of closing hours soon turned into something much more. >> Do you have Do you have any Do you have any weapons on you? >> No. What's going on here? >> You're intoxicated in public. >> TJ. >> Who do you think you are? >> Give me my phone over there, sir. >> Okay. Put your hands >> Yeah. I'll go with you. >> You guys really doing this? >> No, sir. You are doing this. >> Yeah. >> You've been given ample ample opportunity. >> I was walking down >> You wanted to tell me about how you're a state representative and that we're going to have this conversation tomorrow and then you wanted to flash some badge. >> Sir, he did. >> You got this recording? >> Yes. >> Okay. He's the one that >> Well, you were right here. >> Uh-huh. >> You know that. And first of all, you cannot detain me right now. >> Wait, yes sir, absolutely we can. Sir, yes we will. >> Hey TJ, they said that they can detain me right now. >> being detained, you're being arrested. >> Oh, I'm being arrested, TJ. For what? >> Public intoxication. >> What? For standing still? >> For being drunk in public. Go ahead and have a seat, sir. Hold on. Hold on just one second. Can you double lock these cuffs? Can you double lock these? >> Uh do you have my phone, please? >> Yeah, we got it. Yeah, I've got your phone and I've got your everything that was with it. Your IDs, everything. Sir, you can However you want to put it. If you want to turn it that way. >> My left arm does not go that way. >> All right. Well, I've got like a bunch of room. I can put it I'll put another set of cuffs on. Stop. >> That's what they did. Oh. >> If you want another set of cuffs on to where it's not as tight, don't move, okay? You understand that, sir? >> Yes. But, I don't understand what you guys are doing and why. >> Well, whenever you want to not listen to simple commands, sir, you're given a couple opportunities to walk away, >> I don't >> but then you are a threat to us. >> What? >> What was that? >> Davis appeared to believe that there was nothing wrong with his behavior. Even as officers warned him about the consequences of public intoxication. Instead of de-escalating, he attempted to say and do things he thought might help him avoid trouble. The officers, however, remained steady and unmoved by his persistence. >> First of all, look on the backside of my phone, please. Not on the back. Right there. Pull out the card right there. >> Yeah. >> And call your sergeant. >> Okay. Call your sergeant? >> No, your your leading officer before you take in anywhere, read the back of that card. Read it what state law says. >> Okay. Can I stand up, please? >> Uh just just have a seat right there for me. >> All right. >> Oklahoma's House of Representatives issued to Representative Dean Davis of Oklahoma for for >> This is for identifying purposes number Congress member of Representatives of the state of uh >> Okay. Well, so the privileges, arrests, speeches, or debates, senators and representatives shall, except for treason, felony, or breach of peace, be privileged from arrest during the session of the legislature. >> Correct. >> And in going to and returning from the same, >> Correct. >> and for any speech or debate in either house or shall not be questioned in any other place. >> Correct. >> You're not in legislature. >> Yes, I am. >> Okay. Well, I you're not in the state capital right now. Okay. You need to >> Fine. Call your call your advisor. Call everyone. Hey, TJ. >> TJ I don't I don't answer to TJ. >> No, you don't have to, but they're going to call your >> If you If you instead of talking, if you'll listen for just a minute, okay? So, at this point right now the way I'm reading it you're not I'm not arresting you at the state legislature >> or going to or from. I can. And I am right now. So, have a seat and I will run it past my supervisor. >> You will? >> I already told you I will. So, go ahead and have a seat. >> up to me and just >> I We gave you and your friends ample opportunity to leave. You're remaining at a business that is supposed to be closed. You know, and you're already obviously intoxicated. Have a seat. Put your feet in. >> Yes, sir. Hey, by the way, thank you for this. That's all it is, that hurt. Like >> As the interaction continued, his tone became more confrontational, but the arresting officer remained firm and consistent, carefully documenting the encounter. >> Can I ask why you guys rolled up so fast and just like basically bombarded us? It was >> It was 2:12 in the morning. >> Yeah. >> And you're not You know, the bars are closed at at 2:00. There's not supposed to be anybody on the premises at 2:00. We go up there and you're you're still holding a beer. Along with your your buddies are still drinking and you're not supposed to be. >> Okay. >> My supervisor tells you guys y'all need to go. >> And I put mine down. >> You continued on. No, you did not. >> Yes, I did. I put it on the table. It's over there. >> you didn't you did not until after two different times I'm telling you that you need to go. >> I put it down. >> Yes, you did. >> And then I started walking away and then you grabbed my arm. Because how can I >> Mr. Davis, I'm not going to discuss this any further with you. Uh all you want to do is as is just try to twist words. It's okay. >> words because you cannot >> you're doing. >> pull anything out of my pocket and show you even my phone or ID without having to put something down. >> All you had to do is set your beer down and walk away. >> After two or three different warnings and then you wanted to tell us who you were or >> No, he did. >> You did as well and you wanted and tell us about how threatening us with our jobs. >> I did not do that. He did. I sat there and was like, "Listen, guys." >> Who was the first one to flip flip out their badge? You. >> I flipped open my phone to make a phone call. >> You did did did He flipped it open. You Yeah, you're going to hear about this tomorrow. >> Well, no, he said that. I didn't say that. I did not say that. He did. >> It's okay. It's all on body cam. >> Good. And then it's going to sit there and say He's going to sit there and go, "It's on body cam." He said that. And then you're going to sit there and go, "Oh, he's right." Once again. And here's another thing is have you guys not read what's on there? >> Yeah, I read it. >> Okay. >> But not how I see it. >> Ouch. >> The way I see it is this uh >> Where's your um commanding officer? for right now? >> Right now, he's he's inside there. The one that told you to walk away is my commanding officer. The one that you wanted to argue with. >> I wasn't arguing with him. I'm just having a >> did. >> Well, that's called also debate. >> Or we're also called as a lawful lawful command. >> Which I did. I put it down. I was walking away. I was like, "Hey, guys, we're all here just to be here." And I was walking away. I was taking a step down and you like grabbed my arm. I was like, "Whoa." I was like left foot was on the step. I like you guys came here for an argument or for an instigation. Cuz you rolled up pretty hard. >> I was 5 minutes away from going home. Yeah, that's exactly what I was I was coming over here for. >> you do that then? I mean, if you guys are right there >> I'm looking for an argument and a debate. 5 minutes before I'm going home. >> That's not right. Cuz you need to go home. >> Exactly. But you wanted to escalate it to where we're at now. >> Well, it wasn't me escalating anything. I was trying to de-escalate it. And you know that. I think you believe that. >> With an air of entitlement, Davis seems convinced the situation would result in his favor. Supervisors were brought in and the facts of the incident were reviewed without special consideration. >> No. >> That's my boss and my boss's boss who is the boss over the entire city. >> Uh-huh. >> He's coming over. >> Good. >> Okay. >> I guess what's taking so long. >> You wanted a supervisor's supervisor. >> Yep. You coming out staying outside? >> No. >> Why not? I asked that. >> Cuz we're not going to stand outside. >> Well, you just detained me, correct? >> All right, that is correct. >> And I'm not supposed to be detained. >> That's not the way I understand it. >> Do you not read what it said? >> I did read what it read what it said, sir. >> did it say? >> We're not at the state capital and I'm not arresting you. >> It did not say at the state capital. >> It said again, like I said, that's that's what this what my captain's coming over to uh >> While in session. While in session. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yes. >> with C at all. >> We are in session. And even if you can hypothetically say anything like I'm walking to the capital. I'm walking away from the capital. But I had a meeting here. Well, actually I just had a meeting with the leadership. >> And who are the other two guys that were with you? >> Representatives. >> Well, what's their names? >> Doesn't matter, does it? Because hypothetically, you just said that you aren't You said, "No, I'm not detaining you. I'm arresting you." >> I did. >> Yes. So, you're not even allowed to detain me, but you arrested me. No, if you read the law, you cannot do that right now, but you just did. So, congratulations. And that's what he said. Not me. So, I I I sat there and listened to it. Just because I don't walk faster than him or run faster than him. And I was being nice and I was trying to greet you guys with "Hey guys, how's it going?" Trying to like say hi, what's going on. And all you guys was immediately attack. You did. >> There was no attack. >> Yes, you did. And you know it because you had no If you would just have a conversation Why would you not have a conversation? Did you have a conversation? You did not and you know it. You did not have a conversation. >> no conversation about that. >> Exactly. Yes, sir. Always a conversation. No, a command. >> The lawful command was it's time to go. >> Yes, and I said, "Well, thank you very much." And like I could have said, "Hey, well, how's your night?" Well, you didn't leave, so you're arrested? How was your night? >> went down, sir. >> Are you sure? >> I'm positive. >> Oh, I disagree. >> I know, that's the best part. I'm going to love this because I'm going to time it. And if there's 30 seconds, do you think it's 1 minute, 5 minutes, was it 30 seconds? How long was it? You tell me of how long you got here, when you walked up, what you said, what you did, and then within 30 seconds you grabbed my arm. Cuz it was 44 seconds. With 44 seconds, what do you think's going to happen? You tell me. So, you already made up your mind of what was going to happen, correct? Cuz when you walked up, you had an idea of what you were going to do, but you chose the wrong person. Congratulations. This is wrong. >> Even then, he appeared confident he could maneuver his way out of consequences. That confidence didn't change the outcome. >> Pardon? Where are we going? >> Uh we're going to the county jail. >> For what? >> Public intoxication. >> Uh did you test me for that? >> No. >> So, how can I be intoxicated if you haven't test me? >> You think you have to at 42 years old and 18 years of being a cop that I don't know an intoxicated person when I see one? >> Yes. >> No. And the judge will see it that way. >> Um what was I drinking? >> Alcohol. >> No, how do you know that? Because it was a Coke. >> Okay, dude. I Again, stop with your attorney stuff. You can question >> No, I'm being very serious right now. >> me in court. >> How am I being detained? >> You're being You're not being detained, you're arrested. >> Exactly. >> And I don't know how many more times I need to explain to you that yes, you are >> have alcohol in my cup. It was a Coke. And you and I have conversation. So, please tell me what's truly going on. >> You're a smart guy. >> Yes, I am. >> Yeah. >> So, what is truly going on? Officer, what is going on here? >> You're being arrested for public intoxication. That is what it is. Public drunkenness. >> For how? For doing what? >> Again, let me do my stuff and then at that point >> What was your assessment? What assessment have you done? You have not done an assessment. You have not done anything. I had Coke in that cup. Coca-Cola. This is the best part. This is going to get really good. Wow. >> What's your substance, Mr. Davis? >> Uh first of all, you have to put the first name. You got it wrong. It's an N. And I have not spoken with your supervisor yet, which I need to speak with him. >> He's He's tied up on the phone. >> No, I'll wait. Your FOP officer and your supervisor need to be called now. >> In the end, Dean Davis was charged with public intoxication and marked his second alcohol-related arrest since taking office in late 2018. After Dean Davis tested the limits of public office, Matthew Riley, a councilman, approved once again that elected officials aren't immune from consequences. >> Oh, no way, dude. Really? >> Yes. Yes. I was just taking I was just on my way back from court. >> You were literally choking in your sleep. Somebody flagged me down about it. >> I have sleep apnea. I'm sorry. >> Well, and you know you have a >> It It was a It was a relapse. I I've been clean for 13 years. >> All that white powder, is that That's That's piece of a >> Yeah. Yeah, that's definitely That's definitely >> On the 15th of May 2023, officers responded to a call about a man slumped over in a vehicle in a parking lot. When they arrived, they found Matthew passed out in the driver's seat, reportedly holding a pipe in his hand. In that moment, what began as a welfare check quickly turned into something more serious. Riley, a sitting councilman, was about to learn that public office offers no exemption from the law. >> have any weapons on you? >> No, not at all. >> 12 12 Yeah. All right. Roadside open policy >> Really got to stop trying not to uh >> 40 off That's fine. >> Oh, no way, dude. Really? >> Yes, yes. I was just taking I was just on my way back from court. Bro. >> Well, arrest is going to come check you out, man. I can't let you go. You were literally choking in your sleep. Somebody flagged me down about it. >> Oh, I have sleep apnea. Yeah, I'm sorry. >> Well, and then you have a crack pipe in your hands. So, it's like Look. >> Come on. Sorry. >> Listen, I I have a body camera. Obviously, everything I have is recorded. You know that. And what I've observed is on camera, so I can't pretend I didn't, you know? So, arrest is going to come here and then they're going to check you out. You know, as far as I know, there's no tickets anywhere, so I can't You know, so there's not a criminal investigation. There's more a health or well-being check type thing. >> Thank you. >> Um But, uh Yeah, I obviously have to document it, you know. You can have that back. >> Thank you. >> So, there will will be no arrest. >> What? >> There will be no arrest. >> No. Um Is there any Are there any in the car or anything like that? >> No, no, nothing. >> How long have you had this problem, man? >> It it was a it was a relapse. I've I've been clean for 13 years. >> All right. Just want to >> really bad divorce recently. >> Okay. Um Uh Do you know if any of that was laced with all anything? Cuz you were out, out and like looked like you were choking. >> Really? >> Yeah. >> Uh >> That's why somebody literally sprinted and and flagged me down cuz they thought you were having a heart attack or choking. >> Uh no, not that I know of. >> Officers immediately recognized signs that the situation was not routine. As they continued their investigation, it became clear that this was not an isolated incident in his past. >> What's wrong with this guy? Your whole life. >> Mhm. >> Down the drain for what? >> So you don't know him at all? This guy doesn't know >> I've never met him in my life. >> We probably dig out just a smaller little rocks so we don't have to break anything. >> Uh if we can get a little bit with the uh the powder. >> Yeah. >> I'll I'll do it. I'll try to get it. Yeah, it's kind of awkward. Be careful cuz he was on the nod or like it seemed like anyways. It's mixed with something else, but Just want to see. Do you need this knife? Yeah, let me use that. Be careful with that stuff. This I don't know if that's >> The waste of nothing. This weight over there. He doesn't know. >> Yeah, I was just telling him the same thing cuz I mean, you don't fall asleep usually from completely, you know, not an opiate usually. >> said he didn't do anything. >> I know. >> He claims he was tired and he he may have sleep apnea, but I don't think that's kind of >> Well, especially like this. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, only come a lot, too. It's like you stick out like a sore thumb. >> Well, >> Right away. >> Well, uh >> Yeah. >> Crack. >> Off of >> Yeah, test it? >> Test it for both. Just give me a cigarette. I don't know what you're dealing with here. >> Well, can you just snap a picture of that, especially if you're going to put it >> No, not getting near touching all that. All that white powder, is that That's piece of crack. Yeah, yeah, that's definitely That's definitely >> Yeah, yeah, most likely. >> Yeah, he got to smell it and he's burning up. >> He has a bunch of toy boy in >> Should we have a toy? >> Looks like he's actually half living out of his car. There's like toilet paper >> private property. We're good. >> We're on private property. >> Man, this guy's got >> Yeah, look at this. This guy's got a problem. >> I'll do all the evidence stuff here. >> Thank you. All right, so um is he arresting him good or >> Yeah, they're just finishing up right now. >> He's got the bag. He's got the brown everything over there. You see it? >> Yeah. Yeah, it's on the it's all >> They're finishing up right now. >> And that was in his glove compartment. >> Despite his position, there were no special accommodations. He was placed under arrest, just like anyone else. And the reality of the situation began to settle in. >> If your mother gets in that car, I bet she sits in that touches her face or mouth and goes down. >> I had no idea it was anything like >> Well, it's all there. >> No, I mean the >> Yeah, you don't know what you're buying. >> Yeah. >> Did you buy that today? >> Yesterday. >> Yesterday. And you You don't Is the same guy you usually buy it from? >> I don't know if he usually buy it off anybody. They're not all honest people. No, I mean I mean Once or twice. >> Yeah, but whoever you buy it from, if you if you continuously buy it from him, you know who you're buying it from. This You don't know what people putting in it. >> No, I I understand. >> You know? They may have made that for That's a big rock you got in there. What's that? A $50 piece? >> Uh 100. 100. So >> Yeah, I just just got back into this life. >> Yeah, you got to This is going to Listen, I This is a terrible situation. We're all in a tough spot, but we got to do what we got to do right by by numbers. It'll help you in the end. Believe me when I tell you. And you'll say to us a month from now, "Hey, good. Best thing that ever happened to me." That's what they all tell us. You can't go down this road anymore. >> No, no. >> God forbid we find you. That That would That's terrible. You know what I mean? And you were down in the car. >> No, I mean I'm going to put myself in on the 17th to get the help that I need. >> Yeah. You just You You You got to get on a program right away. I mean I look at you. You're not the Matt Riley that we know. Trust me. And I Listen. >> Thanks, Dave. >> Your health and your well-being is worth way more than any political career. >> We don't report nothing to the media unless someone >> tells them. So, and then arrest records are public record. I'm not going to lie to you. But There's There's There's not much we can do on this. I'm sorry. If I was in your situation, I'd be in handcuffs. >> No, no. I'm not saying Oh, I'm not saying don't resist. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> In terms of media for kids and as much >> Yeah, no. Listen. We are only required to release what we release, and we won't We have to release an arrest record by law, you know. All right. Jump in before you We just want to make sure we're going to monitor you because you've You've taken >> so I'm going to pat you down again, all right? >> You've taken in some all, Matt. And that's that's, you know, we've got to make sure you're You You don't may not feel it right now, but God forbid something happens to you. >> Yeah, no. I've never done that before. >> about that, you know. I mean, you're not going to be there all day. You'll be in and out. >> I'm going to keep your wallet with me. I have your phone already. Do you Want me to throw this stuff in the car real quick? >> Sure. >> All right. Just step on in here. I'll buckle you up. Oh, wait. >> Yeah, who's going to come get that car out? >> This is a full cage. >> What's that? >> Getting in this Who Who's going to come get this car after? >> I would, sir. I would. >> Huh? >> I would. >> All right. >> Listen, you got to clean your car out. It It's supposed to go in the back. >> in tomorrow. My car is getting fixed. >> Oh, this isn't even your car? >> No, it's a rental. It's a loaner, right? >> I mean, there's there's oil on the seat. >> Yeah, I mean, I wasn't drunk. I have an appointment on on the 17th. >> I'll roll the window for you in a second. >> In the end, Matthew O'Reilly was charged with possession of a controlled substance. Following mounting pressure from the mayor and fellow council members, he resigned from both the city council and his role as chairman of the Cranston Republican Party. Moving on to Maria Bucci, a high-profile political figure in Cranston whose sense of authority collided head-on with the law during a routine traffic stop. >> I don't drink. Very random. No, I wouldn't I drive if I drink. My husband would drive. >> So, I can smell alcohol coming off your breath right now. And your driving was pretty erratic. I don't know who you are, miss. And I I frankly I I can't >> Yeah. >> No, I I really don't. >> My nephew's law enforcement. My aunt is law enforcement. What do you want me to do? You want to embarrass me? I'm an old lady. >> On the 18th of December, 2025, officers pulled over a vehicle after the driver was spotted swerving erratically. What should have been a routine traffic stop quickly went out of control. >> Just right over here, miss. Miss, right over there, please. >> Yeah, I'm listening. >> Okay. All right. All right. Do you have anything in your mouth? >> Well, I have a mint. >> You don't have any gum or anything like that? Okay. All right. Okay. So, listen, all right? What else did you have to drink tonight? >> Just a glass of wine, like >> That's it? Just one glass of wine? >> It's my cousin. I'm taking her home. We went to a Christmas party. I don't drink. Very random. No, I wouldn't I drive if I drink. My husband would drive if I was drinking. >> Okay. >> I think I'm pretty cool, so it's fine. >> So, I can smell alcohol coming off your breath right now. And your driving was pretty erratic. So, you you I mean, you can make all the faces you want. That's that's perfectly fine. >> me. >> I'm not embarrassing you, miss. You put yourself in this position, not me. So, listen. Just stay in the vehicle. Stay in the vehicle. Stay in the vehicle. Stay in the vehicle. I'm not embarrassing you, miss. I'm doing my job. Yeah. Oh, I am. All right. Oh, yeah, okay. That's fine. All right. I'm sorry? What did you say? I don't know who you are, miss. And I I frankly I I No, I really don't. Frankly, I don't. That's the So, listen. So, listen to me. So, listen to me, okay? You can start throwing out names and start doing all what you need to do. It's not going to work with me. I'm telling you right now. I'm not the guy for that. I'm telling you. Well, you're starting that. You're starting it. You are. And just so you know, everything's recorded here. Okay? >> True to form, the driver immediately dropped names, acting as if her position should shield her from the consequences of her actions. >> So, listen. The next thing I'm going to ask you, okay? You want to go through some standardized field sobriety tests, the rest of the tests, please? >> I think this is abuse. >> It's it's not abuse, miss. I'm asking you a simple question. Okay. So, listen to me. Listen to me. Listen to me. Miss, listen to me, okay? I'm going to ask you again. Are you willing to go through standardized field sobriety tests, the rest of the tests, please? >> I actually just want you to call my husband. >> All right. So, you're not going to do them? Are you not going to do the tests? It's a yes or no? It's a yes or a no? No. No. You're not going to No. You're not calling anybody. So, are you going to Are you going to do the tests? Yes or no? Are you going to do the tests? Yes or no? Are you going to do the tests? Yes or no? Are you going to do the tests? Yes or no? >> I'll do the tests. Of course, I will. >> Okay. So, I'm going to have you remove your bag, okay? >> Yeah. You got this recorded, right? >> Yep. >> So, you embarrassed me online. >> Okay. So just so I'm clear, you're going to do the test. >> going to make me tippy-toe, but yeah. >> Okay. All right, stay right there. All right. Is that us? >> Is that us? >> Yeah, that's us. All right. Miss, I'm going to have you come over here for me. >> How do I know like if I can >> right there for me. >> How can I >> So listen, I'm going to give you an explanation and demonstration. >> So listen, I'm going to give you an explanation and demonstration for each test, okay? So, first thing I'm going to ask you I'm sorry. >> Make sure you're recording this. >> Yeah, it's recording. Yep. All right, so listen, first thing I'm going to ask you, do you wear any glasses or contact lenses? >> I do not. >> Okay. Uh, do you have any eye injuries? >> I do not. >> Okay. Place your feet together, hands down by your side, just like this. Okay. >> I'm not going to lie, you're making me a little anxious, but Cuz my husband is getting out of the car. That's why he's getting out of the car. >> Okay. All right, she's fine. She's fine. >> All right. What do you want me to do? >> Okay. When the sobriety test was administered, it became painfully clear she overestimated her knowledge of the law, and her confidence quickly crumbled. >> Did you want me to get caught? Like what are you doing? >> I'm not doing anything, Miss. I'm trying to administer I'm trying to administer It doesn't matter how It doesn't matter how old I am. I'm trying to administer test to you, and you're not following my directions. That's what's going on. >> All right, I'm going to tell you what. My nephew's the lawyer for the My husband's the lawyer for my husband. What do you want me to do? You want to embarrass me? I'm an old lady. All right, I'll do it again. I can do it all day long if you want. >> Okay. I'm going to I'm going to give you one last opportunity, okay? >> All right. And don't put the light down, cuz I know nobody could do it with the Nobody could do it with the light in their face. I think it's rude. >> Okay. >> I could do it though. >> Ooh. Keep your head straight, please. >> Do want to arrest me? Do you want to arrest me? >> done. >> Yeah. >> Next test, we're going to move on. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> All right, it's wild that you're making it crazy. Like, I'm not saying it. >> The next test is a walk and turn test, okay? >> Yeah. >> Uh are you willing to do the test? >> Well, not really, but I'll do it if you say no only. >> It's just a yes or a no. >> Actually, what's my other option? >> You can say no. >> not turn? >> Nope, you can say no and we can move on and >> And what's a no? What's a no? Cuz I want to take my cousin home. I want to go home. >> All right, so it's just >> it a big long game? >> a yes or a no, miss. That's all. I just need a yes or a no. >> What's the options? >> It's a yes or a no. It's that simple. >> to ask you what's my alternative? >> It's yes or a no. >> And what if I say >> You can make whatever decision I listen, I'm not going to argue with you. I'm not going to argue with you. >> I hope I don't raise a kid like you. I'm asking you my alternatives. If I say what's my alternatives, you should say, "Ma'am, you walk the line and you go to the police station or you walk the line and get in the car." What's my options? >> Miss, I'm going to ask you one last time, okay? >> options, okay? One last time. What you said >> Yes, you said my What? What are you guys I I honestly feel bad. If I was a black human, I think you guys No, honestly, I feel bad for the guys, for the people. I feel bad for the people that are not in a position >> So, miss, you're not going to You're not going to do anything to me. >> to do? >> You're not going to You're not going to do anything to me. It's a yes or a no. >> I'll do it. >> Okay. >> Despite her relentless attempts to push the officers' patience, her sense of entitlement persisted, escalating the tension. >> We're going to start on this white line, okay? You're going to place your left foot on Actually, you know what? We're going to use this line instead. It's more straight and it's more flat over here. >> I used a little baby line. >> nope. Nope, so you're going to start right here, miss. >> Call my husband right now. >> All right, miss. You're going to start >> Call call general and everybody else in town. >> Miss, you're going to start over here, please. >> Cuz this is disgusting. >> Miss, you're going to start over here, please. >> if I was a bad person, I'd be arrested. >> Miss, you're going to start over here, please. Miss, you >> Well, make sure my husband's on his way. >> Miss, you are going to start right Okay. >> What are you going to >> I've had enough. >> Are they going to shoot me? What are you going to >> Miss, I'm giving you another opportunity. Start over there, please. >> I'm going to start right here on this line. >> Okay, we'll Yep, all right. That's fine. Yep, all right. Yep, that's perfectly fine. So, listen, you're going to start with your left foot on the line, your right foot is going to be in front in a heel-to-toe manner with your arms down by your side. Heel to toe, heel to toe. Heel to toe manner. Miss, miss, heel to toe, I'm showing you. Heel to toe, heel to toe, arms down by your side. Okay. All right. What you're going to do is you're going to take nine heel-to-toe steps down this line, and then you're going to turn them in, and then I'm going to demonstrate to you. You're going to take nine heel-to-toe steps back down the line, okay? Okay. Okay. So, I'm going to demonstrate I'm going to demonstrate it to you, okay? Stay in that position for me. Stay in that position, please. Stay in the position, please. Heel to toe, miss. Heel to toe, please. >> I don't know what heel to toe means. >> I just showed you, miss. It's like this. Heel to toe. Heel to toe. >> I did it. >> You're not in it, but okay. We'll We'll continue. All right. So, listen, I'm going to demonstrate it to you, okay? You're going to start, okay? 1 2 3, simulating that's your ninth step. You're going to keep that front foot on the line. You're going to take a series of small steps and turn, okay? In this manner and this manner only. And then you're going to continue back down the line, nine heel-to-toe steps as so, okay? Okay. As you do this, okay? >> Like, what is he doing? >> As you do this, miss, keep your arms down by your side. Look down at your feet. Count your steps out loud and don't stop the test until you've completed it. Okay? Do you understand? Miss, do you understand? >> I do. I do. >> Do you have any questions? >> Honestly, I do. Can you do it one more time out >> Sure, I'll do it for you one more time. >> No, I won't do it on the line. >> Nope. Nope. Right here. Going to start like this. One. Two. Three. Simulating that you're a ninth step, you're going to keep that front foot on the line. You're going to turn. Okay? Take a series of small steps. This manner. This manner only. Then you're going to continue back down the line. Nine heel-to-toe steps as so. Keep your arms down by your side. Look down at your feet. Count your steps out loud and don't stop the test until you've completed it. Miss. Miss, do you understand? >> No, I'm talking to you. >> Miss, do you understand? Miss, do you understand? Miss, do you Miss, do you understand? >> eight steps or seven steps, are you going to >> Miss. Miss, just do you understand what I just instructed to you? Do you understand? Yes or no? >> Did you talk to my husband? >> It wasn't long before the officers realized that the situation would only end one way, with an arrest. >> All right, miss. >> are you guys embarrassing me? >> Miss. Miss. Miss, on the line, please. >> This guy is like talking gibberish. >> Turn around. Turn around. Turn around. Yep. Turn around. Turn around. Turn around. Turn around. Yep. Okay. All right, guys. >> the camera. You're a dick. Like, I am not drinking. You're a loser. >> Stop. >> Yeah, how old are you? >> Stop. >> I'm a 50-year-old lady. >> Stop. Stop. Stop. >> I hope they arrest your mother, too. >> Stop. >> I don't drink. >> Nope. Nope. Nope. Stop. >> You guys are gross. I hope I hope family's in law enforcement. >> Okay. 187 1150 Stop. Stop. Stop. >> How many doing nine steps down? >> Take a seat. >> I had some. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I got gross. >> All right. >> I drank it and drive. >> I'm going to reach over and fasten you with a seatbelt. >> Yeah, I didn't even drink it. >> It's okay. The driver, later identified as Maria Bucci, a local political figure and chairwoman of the Cranston Democratic Committee, ultimately faced the consequences. She was charged with driving under the influence and received community service along with a suspended license for refusing the chemical test. Maria Bucci learned the hard way that holding a title doesn't grant immunity. Robert Merican soon faced the same reality when his reputation failed to impress the officers. >> You guys like dating or what? >> No, she was a She was a good friend of my son. My son passed away. >> There's a needle in the vehicle. >> What? >> And and that's the least of it. I didn't even get to look at everything yet. There's a syringe, a hypodermic needle. >> How are you going to get out of jail? >> I don't know. >> You're not going to be able to. >> On the 4th of April, 2018, police pulled over a vehicle after the driver ran a stop sign and failed to signal a turn. Inside were Robert Merican and Cherish Hernandez. And it didn't take long for officers to spot multiple items that pointed to something illegal taking place. >> Put your hands You can put them behind your back for me. >> Robert >> No, no, sir. Nothing known. They didn't find anything. No. No, sir. >> Just go ahead and take a seat. What's your head? He'll be over with you in a second, okay? >> Cherish was arrested immediately and Robert wasn't going to walk away either. >> Come back here. Let's get out of the street. All right, Robert. Just pronounce your name. Merican. Merican? Hereby authorize a search of a motor vehicle as described as your Ford. >> How old is Cherish? >> She's got five. The highest The highest being 1500. Out of us, Neptune City. >> Five, you mean 500? >> Five total. Five total warrants. Number one, number one is for $500. I don't know. All I know is that she has five. So, that's where we're >> like a almost a normal kid to me. >> Yeah, that's where we're at. So, you guys like dating or what? >> No, she was a she was a good friend of my son's. My son passed away. >> Sorry for that. >> And I feel I feel bad for her because she has nothing. I I pick her up, I take her where she needs to go, I buy her I buy her food, I buy food for her. >> You're helping her out. >> I help her out. >> Yeah. >> And paraphernalia? I haven't I wasn't able to look all the way in, but They'll be off soon, all right? >> Despite their protests, it was clear neither of them were innocent. Additional evidence in the car only made their situation worse. >> What the [ __ ] are you arresting him for? Why are they arresting him? Why? >> There's a needle in the vehicle. >> What? >> And and that's the least of it. I didn't even get to look at everything yet. There's a syringe, a hypodermic needle. >> Where? >> It was on the front seat. >> Where did you put the needle, Robert? >> What needle? >> I didn't have a needle. >> I think that's the one you dropped. >> No. I didn't bring any needles with me. I didn't bring any needles with me. I swear to God, Robert, I didn't bring any needles with me. I did not bring any needles with me. >> Why are they arresting him? How are you going to get out of jail? >> I don't know. >> You're not going to be able to. >> You didn't have the needle in your car, right? >> 121 to go. >> They will >> I'm still working 94 >> They will find everything, trust me. >> You're right about that. >> Oh my god, my daughter. Can you please try to bail me out? I'll do the best I can. I got to get myself out. I don't know what they're arresting me for. >> Sorry, Milex. 107095 camera is asking you something. >> Trust me. >> 5121 >> These pants are not cool. >> In the end, both Robert American and Cherise Hernandez were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession or intent to sell a syringe for use with a controlled substance, multiple motor vehicle violations, and obstructing a government function.