Lee commissioner accused of DUI could face more legal trouble

CAPE CORAL, Fla. The driver of the car hit by a Lee County Commissioner accused of driving drunk is consulting with an attorney.

Justine Maher of Cape Coral has consulted with a pair of attorneys since the early Wednesday morning crash in which she suffered minor injuries, she said.

Manning’s blood-alcohol level was 0.105, above the legal limit of 0.08, when given a breath test after the crash, the Cape Coral police department said. He was arrested and released on $5,000 bond Wednesday morning.

Maher is calling for Manning’s removal from the commission. County officials wouldn’t comment on the crash or Manning’s future on the commission, county spokesman Tim Engstrom said.

Manning, who serves as chairman of the commission, was seen getting dropped off at his home Wednesday morning by County Manager Roger Desjarlais. He’s otherwise made no public appearance since the crash.

Gov. Rick Scott spoke about the arrest Wednesday afternoon while meeting with Lee County emergency officials.

“I don’t know all the details but all of us expect, including me, we expect that whether you’re elected or appointed to live up to the highest standards,” Scott said.

Fort Myers resident Steven Moss expressed similar sentiments Thursday.

“I feel that if anyone gets in a crash like that they should be treated the same way,” Moss said. “I don’t think anyone is above the law.”