WISCASSET — Two Bridges Regional Jail administrator Mark Westrum was placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday following his arrest Friday on charges of operating under the influence.
The decision was made during an executive session of the Lincoln and Sagadahoc Multicounty Jail Authority’s executive committee, whose 14 members voted unanimously on Westrum’s leave. Capt. James Bailey will take over daily operations of the privately run jail in Westrum’s place.
Mary Trescott, the committee chair, announced the decision in a brief news conference following the roughly hour-long meeting behind closed doors.
Westrum’s status will be reevaluated at the next regular meeting of the jail authority Nov. 9, when the authority’s committee will take another vote, Bailey said. Although Westrum is not due in West Bath District Court to answer for the charge until Nov. 22, Trescott said the board could receive more information about the situation that may inform their position on Westrum’s status before then.
Westrum was not present for the meeting and could not be reached by phone when the board attempted to call him, Trescott said. He had previously not responded to a call for comment Tuesday at his home in Bath. She said there have not been any other notable personnel issues with Westrum and no allegations or suggestions of problems with alcohol.
Bath police stopped Westrum on Front Street in Bath on Friday about 9:45 p.m. after a police officer saw him driving without his headlights on, Bath Police Lt. Robert Savary said.
Westrum was administered a field sobriety test before he was arrested and charged with operating under the influence. He was transported to the Bath police station where he was administered a breath analysis test. Police will not release the results of that test, Savary said.
Westrum was cooperative during the process and was released from the station on personal recognizance, Savary said.
Westrum had previously served as Sagadahoc County sheriff.
In 2008, as sheriff of Sagadahoc County, Westrum was investigated after one of his deputies accused him of inappropriate touching, but an outside investigator did not find enough evidence to support the allegation.
Westrum resigned the same year to assume the position administrating the jail. Two Bridges, the state’s only privately run jail, serves Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties, and also accepts some prisoners from Oxford County.
Westrum’s career with the Sagadahoc Sheriff’s Office began in 1988 as a detective.
Matt Byrne can be contacted at 791-6303 or at:
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