Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes said he is disappointed in himself for an alcohol citation he received while operating a boat recently on Lake Powell.
The sheriff, elected to his first term in November, was cited by the National Park Service for being under the influence of alcohol while operating a boat.
In a written statement provided to the Sedona Red Rock News upon request regarding the incident, Rhodes discussed the importance of transparency and accountability, especially among elected officials, including himself.
“On Saturday afternoon Aug. 7, my family and I were boating on Lake Powell,” he stated. “We had a designated driver for the boat I was riding on, and I was drinking and enjoying the lake. Friends in a second boat were following for the day.
“Upon returning to the marina, they had difficulty parking their boat back in the slip and asked for my help. Both the boat owner and I made an attempt without success, doing minor damage to the neighboring boat. I decided that we needed to stop and eventually found someone else to help. National Park Police were waiting for us on the dock.
“I fully cooperated with law enforcement and have taken responsibility for my actions. I was cited for operating the boat while intoxicated. I am subject to all the same consequences as any other citizen, and I accept those consequences.
I did not attempt in anyway, nor would I ever, to use my position as sheriff to impact their decision. As I always say, I am grateful to the police for keeping the public safe.”
An email to the National Park Service seeking specifics of the citation was not returned by press time.
Rhodes concluded by writing, “Even I who knows the law well thought that ‘just docking the boat’ would be safe, but I was wrong. I should not have taken control of the boat at all, even for the brief moment. I deeply regret my actions and have learned from this mistake. I am sure you are disappointed and that is fair, however, I am more disappointed in myself. I want to assure you that I will always be honest with you even in the tough times.”
