DUI Compliancy Check Snares Three Offenders, One Car

Officers visiting the homes of nine Benicians with DUI convictions found four of them in violation of probation conditions, police said Monday: One had moved without telling authorities; alcohol was found in three residences; one man was suspected of driving on a suspended license; and two tested positive for alcohol, according to police.

Solano County probation officers teamed up with on March 25 to conduct  the follow-up checks.

The compliancy checks are funded through a grant from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety and are coordinated by the Solano County Probation Department.

Benicia resident Herman Brinkman was found to be out of compliance with court orders when he drove up to his Greenbrier Court home while police and probation officers were knocking on his front door, according to police. Brinkman was driving his car on a suspended license and also was found to have alcohol in his home, which is a violation of the conditions of probation, police said.

Brinkman's car was confiscated and he was cited for the suspended license violation and violating his probation and released at the scene.

Benicia resident Sean Carter was arrested at his Oxford Way home after he tested positive for alcohol in his system and alcohol was found in his residence in violation of the conditions of probation, police said.

Jeremy Maher, 34, of Benicia tested positive for alcohol in his system, according to police. While searching his East Third Street home, police and probation officers said they found alcohol and drug paraphernalia. Police report Maher admitted consuming alcohol and using drugs two days prior to the search. He was booked into Solano County Jail.

Another person was found to have moved out of state without reporting to the probation department. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

The good news for Benicia residents is that five of the nine probationers checked were found to be in compliance with the terms of their probation.

"Unfortunately, convicted drunk drivers continue to re-offend," said Benicia Police Traffic Sgt. Frank Hartig, who participated in the enforcement effort. "Our department is very willing to team up with the  probation department to conduct these types of enforcement efforts."