Sumpter Officer Salajan pleads no contest to reduced charge

On April 8, 23rd District Court Judge Geno Salamone accepted a no-contest plea to a reduced charge of driving while visibly impaired from Sumpter Police Officer George Gabriel Salajan, III, 29.
Officer Salajan had been charged with operating with blood alcohol content of .17 or more (being super drunk) at 3:25 a.m., Jan. 27, in Huron Township.
His defense attorney explained that it was a one-car accident that damaged a street sign and mailbox. Court records show Salajan was driving a 2016 Ford pickup.
Judge Salamone asked if the owner of the mailbox had been notified to determine restitution and Huron Township prosecutor David Loeckner said the mailbox owner had not been notified.
Judge Salamone said he would take the plea today and would send Salajan to the probation department for a pre-sentence evaluation and sentencing day would be scheduled. He asked Loeckner to notify the victim of the sentencing day.
Judge Salamone said he would rely on the police report for information.
Salajan’s attorney produced a letter saying his client has completed outpatient treatment at the University of Michigan. Judge Salamone said that was good and he should stay away from drugs and alcohol.