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Update: Coppo is on a paid leave of absence that is pulled from his accrued benefits. He is not being paid in the same fashion as a normal employee at this time.
Houghton County Undersheriff Kevin Coppo’s arraignment occurred this morning in 86th District Court. He appeared with his Attorney Patrick Fragel, before Chief Magistrate Tammi Rodgers. Coppo entered a plea of not guilty on his three charges. He is held with a bond of 5,000 dollars, and will be required to provide twice daily PVT tests to prove he is not drinking. Coppo is not allowed to enter an establishment that serves alcohol, and will have to avoid any mind altering substances not prescribed to him. A pre-trial hearing will occur on May 5th between his Attorney Patrick Fragel and the Assistant Prosecutor in Grand Traverse County.
On March 3rd Coppo was taken into custody in Grand Traverse County for drunk driving. He had refused to take a breathalyzer test on scene, and damaged a parked vehicle in the parking lot of the Great Wolf Lodge. Coppo faces three charges related to the incident including; operating a vehicle with a BAC above 0.17%, failure to report a vehicular accident and refusing a breathalyzer. Coppo’s BAC was measured at Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s jail, recording a blood alcohol content of 0.23%. Close to three times the legal limit in the state of Michigan.
Sheriff Joshua Saaranen relieved Coppo of his position earlier this month, placing him on a paid leave of absence. On March 14th, Sheriff Saaranen swore in Sgt. John Giachino as temporary Undersheriff.
