Published June 23, 2009 04:42 pm - A man under arrest for driving under the influence had an additional charge added after he attempted to bribe two Athens police officers to “go away,” according to Capt. Marty Bruce.

Man charged with bribing police: 'I will give you $100 to go away'


By Kelly Kazek
Athens News-Courier

A man under arrest for driving under the influence had an additional charge added after he attempted to bribe two Athens police officers to “go away,” according to Capt. Marty Bruce.

Hector Gonzalez Matos, 29, of 420 N. Clinton Street was charged Monday with DUI and bribery of a public servant after officers Josh Garlen and Cortny Barksdale responded to a call about a fight at 704 N. Marion Street, Bruce said.

Bribery of a public servant is a class C felony.

The officers discovered Matos and another individual had been involved in the fight. Bruce said the report does not say what the fight was about.

After resolving the dispute, Garlen and Barksdale advised Matos to walk home because he was too intoxicated to drive.

As the officers were getting ready to leave, Garlen noticed Matos in his vehicle backing onto the street and stopped him, Bruce said.

Before the officers arrested Matos for driving under the influence, Matos said, “I will give you $20 to go away.”

When officers refused the offer, Matos said: “OK, I will give you $100 to go away.”

Matos was transferred to the Limestone County Jail.