A.S. President Poet arrested

Wendy Fry, City Editor

Published: Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Updated: Wednesday, October 22, 2008



Associated Students President James Poet was arrested Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence and for allegedly possessing marijuana.

San Diego State Police Department Lt. Lamine Secka said Poet was stopped for a traffic violation around 3:16 a.m. Friday on 55th Street while driving alone.

“Subsequent to that violation, the officer arrested Poet and charged him with a DUI and possession of marijuana,” Secka said.

Poet was taken to San Diego County Jail downtown, Secka said, just as any other person charged with a DUI would be.

“I do have some personal issues going on right now,” Poet said. “I do have a court date and hopefully I’m considered innocent until proven guilty.”

Vice President of Student Affairs at SDSU James Kitchen provided the following statement regarding Poet’s reported DUI:

“We are both shocked and disappointed at the news of James Poet’s arrest, which has the potential for serious consequences.” He added that Poet, like any other student accused of breaking the law, should be afforded due process and a chance to defend him or herself in court.

“James has made many significant contributions during his tenure as A.S. President for which we are appreciative. The Associated Students officers and staff will continue to carry out their leadership duties,” Kitchen said.

Poet said he plans on addressing his arrest and giving students all the facts about what happened at tomorrow’s A.S. Council meeting.

After the recent arrest of basketball star Lorrenzo Wade and last semester’s drug busts, the university is taking Poet’s arrest seriously.

“As a university we’re making efforts to change the culture here, but you can’t change culture overnight,” Greg Block, director of media relations and new media, said. “These are things that happen on college campuses everywhere, but these are also issues that the university takes very seriously.”

Secka said that the SDSU Police Department’s arresting officer will testify if Poet decides to go to trial.

“We’re not treating it any differently than any other DUI,” Secka said.

Poet said he hopes the situation doesn’t overshadow his commitment to SDSU.

“I really think Associated Students has accomplished some amazing things over the past year and a half — and I’ve been a big part of that process,” he said. “I would like the opportunity to redeem myself and to regain the students’ trust.”



GO AZTECS...