Credit: Flickr/steakpinball
A member of the Upper Makefield Board of Supervisors waived his right to a preliminary trial earlier this week.
On Monday afternoon, supervisor Michael P. Tierney, 34, waived his case onto Bucks County court for a formal arraignment before trial. He was charged in March by Solebury police with misdemeanor agricultural vandalism and agricultural trespasser on posted land. In addition, he was charged with several summary offenses, including criminal mischief and travel on cultivated land.
Tierney allegedly told a Solebury officer that he was intoxicated when he drove his truck onto a field off Pidcock Creek Road early on a March morning. He also allegedly was shown to have a .18 blood alcohol content level after taking a portable breath test, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Tierney’s father and girlfriend were stopped by police as they headed to help the 34 year old get his truck out of the mud. Tierney’s father refused the officer’s help but the lawman caught up to them and the township supervisor a short time later in the field, authorities said.
Police said Tierney told them he had permission to be on the property.
Tierney is a college-educated farmer who has been recognized for his work bringing agriculture awareness to city youth. He also served in Iraq as a Marine. According to court records searched by NewtownPANow.com, Tierney does not have an adult criminal record in Bucks County.
Tierney is represented by a private lawyer and is free on his own recognizance.
