Smart Growth for Vernon, CT
Vernon ex-mayor charged with reckless driving

By Suzanne Carlson
Journal Inquirer
Published: Monday, January 30, 2012 12:45 PM EST

VERNON — Former Republican Mayor and local lawyer Jason L. McCoy was cited for reckless driving on Jan. 23, according to court records.

McCoy, 40, of 216 Skinner Road, was released on a promise to appear, and his arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 6 in Manchester Superior Court.

State police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance said the incident does not constitute an arrest or criminal violation, only a motor vehicle infraction for driving at excessive speed.

McCoy was ticketed by state police from Troop C barracks in Tolland while driving a Range Rover on Interstate 84 at Exit 64, Vance said.

That exit is on the Vernon-Manchester town line.

Driving at a speed of 85 mph or greater is considered reckless driving, according to state law.

If found guilty, McCoy could face a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison and a fine of $100 to $300.

Subsequent offenses carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $600 fine.

McCoy served on the Town Council for eight years before being elected mayor in 2007. He announced in September that he would not be seeking re-election to a third term and instead would pursue the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

Though McCoy has refused to comment on his campaign’s status, Republican State Chairman Gerald Labriola said on Jan. 19 that McCoy told him he no longer would be pursuing the nomination for the seat vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman.

His campaign website, McCoy2012.com, has since been taken offline.

McCoy, who owns his own law firm at 280 Talcottville Road, made headlines recently for accepting $8,040 in overtime pay for 2011’s three major storms while facing nearly $200,000 in personal and business debt.

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