A Columbus city councilman has owned up to his role in driving under the influence and possessing illegal drugs in Gordo, Ala., last December.
Beard pleaded guilty to the crimes on Tuesday. Gordo Police Chief Johnny Stephenson confirmed to WTVA that the Ward 4 councilman will serve two years probation and have to comply with the court referral system, meaning he will have to submit random drug and alcohol tests after checking in monthly.
He is also ordered to pay more than $2,000 in fines for the misdemeanor counts.
No stranger to law enforcement, Beard was apprehended once more by authorities less than 10 days after the Alabama incident when deputies went to the councilman’s home to serve a warrant to a familiar face in Quavis Betts for an armed robbery at a local Waffle House in June 2023 — one that Beard had alleged involvement in. Officers discovered methamphetamine and marijuana in Beard’s house before placing him in handcuffs.
In addition, Beard had also been facing misdemeanor domestic violence charges after a gunshot was fired in his backyard following an argument with his wife in November 2021. The charges were dismissed after the victim did not appear in court in February 2022. He has previously been handcuffed for not paying court fines.
Beard has been serving on the city council since September 2019 with his current term set to end in 2025.
