A high-ranking state prisons official said Friday he will plead guilty to charges of drunken driving.
Scott Michael Kernan, undersecretary of operations for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, said in a statement that he is "deeply remorseful" for his actions and arrest on June 7.
A California Highway Patrol officer stopped Kernan for speeding shortly after 8 p.m. on Jackson Highway near Rancho Murieta, where he lives. He was driving a state-owned vehicle at that time but it's unclear if he was on official business, authorities said.
Court records show Kernan faces two misdemeanor counts – driving under the influence and having a blood alcohol level above the legal limit of 0.08. He is out on bail and scheduled for an arraignment on July 16.
Kernan, who oversees the state's prison, parole and youth facilities, said he offers "no excuse for my poor judgment."
"I am fully aware that my conduct was unbecoming of a peace officer, and reflects poorly on my record of service to the state and to the governor," he said.
Kernan said he has been suspended without pay for six weeks, effective from the date of the incident, adding that he is "humbled" that Secretary Matthew Cate "has requested that I continue to serve the department upon completion of my suspension."
Department spokesman Seth Unger said Kernan has a wealth of experience overseeing one of the nation's largest state corrections system.
"Scott is a very integral part to our operations," Unger said.
Kernan, 47, started as a correctional officer with the department in 1983 and was appointed last November to his current position, which pays $160,860 a year.
He is awaiting a confirmation hearing, originally scheduled for June 24 before the state Senate. The hearing was postponed following his arrest and a new hearing has not yet been scheduled, Unger said.
Call The Bee's Chelsea Phua, (916) 321-1132. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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