D.W.I. Arrest in Montauk

There was just one arrest this past cold and rainy week on charges of driving while intoxicated, that of an Amagansett man, Robert J. Badkin, 51. Mr. Badkin was pulled over on Edgemere Street in Montauk, near where his business is located, last Thursday evening.

East Hampton Town police said the motorist failed roadside sobriety tests and was taken back to headquarters in Wainscott, where his breath test was reportedly recorded as .12 of 1 percent. A reading of .08 or higher triggers the D.W.I. charge.

Mr. Badkin was represented for his arraignment in East Hampton Town Justice Court by Brian Francese of the Legal Aid Society. Justice Steven Tekulsky asked him whether he planned to hire his own attorney. “I’m very happy with Brian here,” he replied. Justice Tekulsky then told him he would have to pass a means test before he could continue  with a Legal Aid attorney.

The defendant was released without bail, in recognition of his roots in the community, but with a future date in court.

Another misdemeanor charge was leveled in a second arrest in Montauk last week, that of Katherine A. Hewitt, 56. An order of protection issued by Family Court in August had barred Ms. Hewitt from consuming alcohol or being intoxicated while in her residence. Town police said she violated the order on Saturday night, leading to her arrest.

She was freed without bail to await another court appearance.T.E.M.