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Charges against Beavercreek Rep. Jarrod Martin dropped

Contributed photo State Representative Jarrod Martin (R-Beavercreek).

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By Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Bureau Updated 10:56 AM Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Prosecutors in Jackson County dropped drunken driving and child endangerment charges against state Rep. Jarrod Martin involving a July traffic stop, but the Beavercreek Republican will plead guilty to a traffic violation and his driving privileges are restricted for now, according to Martin’s attorney, Charles Rowland II.

The Ohio Highway Patrol stopped Martin for a traffic lane violation when his pickup truck drifted left of center. His trailer didn’t have taillights. During the traffic stop, Martin refused to submit to sobriety tests, which resulted in an automatic one-year license suspension. Rowland said the Jackson County Municipal Court judge granted Martin work driving privileges. Rowland said he is asking the court to restore Martin’s driver’s license.

Martin, who is serving his second term in the Ohio House, refused to bow to pressure from GOP leaders to resign his seat. House Speaker William Batchelder in September stripped Martin of his chairmanship of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Troopers were also called to a downtown Columbus parking garage in March 2010 when Martin allegedly was found passed out drunk on the hood of Batchelder’s car, though Martin was not arrested or ticketed in that incident.

Martin, who is seeking a third term in the Ohio House, faces a crowded GOP primary on March 6, which includes Greene County Commissioner Rick Perales, attorney John Langenderfer and Greene County Sheriff’s Capt. Eric Spicer.

Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1624 or lbischoff@DaytonDaily News.com.

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