Arrest and Charges
Mississippi State Senator Michael McLendon was arrested on June 5, 2023, near Foley, Alabama. Law enforcement officers responded to a call about a reckless driver heading southbound on U.S. Highway 98. McLendon, a Republican senator from Hernando, Mississippi, was charged with driving under the influence of both alcohol and another substance.
Court Dismissal
Court records released on Tuesday reveal that District Judge George Elbrecht issued a one-page order dismissing the misdemeanor charge against McLendon on June 12, 2024, just over a year after the initial arrest.
Senator McLendon’s Statement
In a statement released on Tuesday, McLendon expressed his reflections on the experience: “This experience reaffirms the importance of setting a positive example both in my personal and professional life. I have a stronger understanding and a greater appreciation for our judicial system.”
Background on McLendon
Michael McLendon has been serving in the Mississippi Senate since 2020, representing a district in DeSoto County in the state’s northwestern corner. The 60-year-old lawmaker continues to maintain his commitment to his constituents and his legislative duties.