LUMBERTON — A former Robeson County sheriff’s deputy was found guilty Tuesday in District Court of driving while impaired, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Shay Jones, 41, was found guilty of driving while impaired and reckless driving, and received 12 months probation, a $250 fine and 48 hours of community service, according to Lisa Vogel, a community action site leader for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Jones’ attorney, Jeffrey Wynn, filed a motion for appeal, Vogel said. Wynn could not be reached.

According to a report filed by Trooper Henry Locklear of the state Highway Patrol, on Oct. 3, 2010, just before 2 a.m., Jones was traveling east on Deep Branch Road near Pembroke when his 1999 Ford truck went off the road to the right, hit a sign, traveled down an embankment, and struck several trees before coming to rest partially submerged in water.

According to the Highway Patrol, Jones registered a .17 percent blood alcohol level, about twice the legal limit of .08 percent.

Sheriff Kenneth Sealey said Jones hasn’t worked with his office since the incident occurred.

“This is a good example of a law enforcer who should know better,” Vogel sad. “A law enforcer should not be a law breaker. In my opinion, law enforcement officers should be held to a higher standard. They’ve made a pledge to protect the public, and they should not be out breaking the law and endangering the public.”

District Court Judge Judith Daniels presided over the case, and Assistant District Attorney Jon Stieber prosecuted.

According to Sealey, a second lawman has returned to work after DWI charges were dismissed against him in October.

The charge against Ernest Alvin Gaddy Jr., 55, of Fairmont, was dismissed by Robeson County District Court Judge John B. Carter Jr. on Oct. 5.

According to court records, Gaddy was stopped by a Lumberton police officer on South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive after running his car off the road. He recorded a .06 on a breath test, below the .08 level that is considered to be legally drunk.

Gaddy’s case was being reviewed by Sealey’s office and the N.C. Sheriffs Standards Committee, which certifies deputies and had the final say if Gaddy would retain his law enforcement certification.

Gaddy had been suspended without pay as of Aug. 2. The date on which he returned was not available.