Date: Fri 31-Jul-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: CURT

Quick Words:

Varese-dui-court-probation

Full Text:

Monroe Lawmaker Gets To Keep His License Despite DUI

BRIDGEPORT (AP) -- State Rep William Varese will get to keep his driver's

license while serving probation for a drunken driving accident that damaged

cars and injured two people.

Last week, Superior Court Judge Romeo Petroni granted the Monroe Republican a

special form of probation and did not suspend Varese's license, even though

the prosecutor said to allow Varese to keep his license could be "perceived as

giving him preferential treatment."

Varese, who has said he would not seek a fifth term in office, did not speak

at the court hearing on his case.

Petroni, himself a former GOP legislator, also ordered Varese to enter an

alcohol education program. He said in his years on the bench, he has never

suspended someone's driver's license as a condition of probation.

Varese, 50, was arrested in March after leaving a Bridgeport strip club.

Police said he crashed into five parked cars and injured two people.

Court records state his blood-alcohol content was 0.167, above the state's

0.10 standard for legally drunk.

If Varese successfully meets the terms of his probation, the drunken driving

charge will be dismissed.

"This is a man who has established an outstanding record over the years," the

judge said. "There are many people he has served and served admirably."

Of the two pedestrians injured when Varese struck several parked cars, one is

suing for $150,000. The other recently received a $7,500 payment from Varese's

insurance company.