State College schools Superintendent Richard J. Mextorf has been charged with driving under the influence, according to a report released Wednesday afternoon by state police in Lamar.
Mextorf, 48, of Port Matilda, was traveling on state Route 64 near Stover’s Sub Shop when a trooper stopped him for a traffic violation about 8 a.m. Nov. 18, according to the report.
It happened in Porter Township, Clinton County, and Mextorf was driving a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the report notes.
During ‘the investigation,’ the report reads, ‘an odor of an alcoholic beverage was noted from the vehicle. The operator was subsequently found to be under the influence of alcohol.
‘The accused was taken into custody and charged with DUI and other related traffic offenses.’
Reached via e-mail late Wednesday, Mextorf indicated that he intends to be accountable. He released this written statement:
‘I am embarrassed and ashamed, but I intend to be accountable for my actions. I apologize to the Board of School Directors, the administration, faculty, staff, community, and, most importantly, the students, for letting you down. Please know that I am taking the necessary steps to ensure this never happens again, and I am counting on the humanity and compassion of the community to see my family and me through this dark time.’
On Nov. 19, Mextorf informed the State College school board of a ‘personnel issue,’ according to a statement released Monday by district spokeswoman Julie Miller. The statement indicated that ‘this is a private, personnel matter and will be handled as such.’
Miller could not be reached immediately on Wednesday afternoon.
Mextorf was hired as superintendent in the State College Area School District in 2009. Previously, he was superintendent of the Loyalsock Township School District, in Lycoming County. He is a Penn State alumnus.
StateCollege.com will post additional information as it becomes available.
Earlier coverage
