(CHATTANOOGA AP) – Indicted state Sen. Jerry W. Cooper was charged Tuesday with driving under the influence and speeding, counts stemming from a single-vehicle accident after he attended three legislative receptions earlier this month. Cooper, 58, was charged in a warrant obtained by the Tennessee Department of Safety, according to a department statement. State troopers investigated the accident. The statement said the investigation was ongoing and results would be turned over to District Attorney Dan Whitesell. Cooper is recuperating at home from the Feb. 7 accident on Interstate 24 in Rutherford County southeast of Nashville. The results of blood-alcohol tests on the legislator haven’t been released by investigators. Cooper has pleaded not guilty to charges of bank fraud, mail fraud and conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud. The wreck injuries prompted his attorney to request a delay in his March 5 fraud trial in Chattanooga.
Look for complete details in Wednesday’s Southern Standard
