SALISBURY — Rowan County Commissioner Jon Barber says he has entered a rehabilitation program.
In an e-mail sent to a Post reporter, editor and others this afternoon, Barber wrote:
“Thank you all for your prayers and concerns. I have been admitted to a long-term inpatient rehabilitation program. This program will evaluate, treat and recommend ongoing treatment for my recovery. I will be unable to attend the Board of Commissioners meetings until I am released and well. I plan to continue serving the citizens of Rowan County.”
Barber was charged Sunday with driving while impaired and failing to maintain lane control after authorities said he crashed his car into a ditch and performed poorly on a field sobriety test. It is his second drunken driving charge, and he pleaded guilty to the first in 2008.
Last May, he admitted to a battle with alcoholism after resigning from his teaching job amid allegations he was drunk in a classroom full of students. He refused to address those allegations.
In addition, the SBI is investigating Barber as a suspect in April 10 theft of a $2.99 bottle of wine from the Rushco store at 601 W. Jake Alexander Blvd.