Mississippi lawmaker Jeff Hale arrested on DUI charges in DeSoto County

State Rep. Jeff Hale, a Republican representing Mississippi’s District 24, was arrested Friday night in DeSoto County, according to jail records. Hale was pulled over around 9:50 p.m. by the Hernando Police Department for allegedly speeding.

He was booked into the DeSoto County Jail on charges of driving under the influence, reckless driving, and disorderly conduct or failure to comply with law enforcement. Jail records indicate this is Hale’s first DUI charge, but do not specify whether authorities suspect alcohol or drugs were involved. The Hernando Police Department has not issued a public statement on the incident.

Hale told The DeSoto Times-Tribune that he was responding to a family emergency when he was pulled over. He said he was reacting as a first responder, citing his 20 years of experience as a firefighter, after learning his granddaughter was unconscious and being taken to the hospital.

“Police encountered a terrified grandfather whose only concern was reaching the hospital as quickly as possible,” Hale said. “I want to be absolutely clear that no alcohol or illegal substances were involved at any point during my day or evening.”

The representative said police believed he was under the influence due to his distraught demeanor and his refusal to submit to further testing. Hale was released after midnight on a $1,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Hernando Municipal Court on Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.

Hale, first elected in 2016, has a background in firefighting and currently works in sales. He previously served as a lieutenant with the Southaven Fire Department and as chief of the New Albany Fire Department.

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