Joliet City Councilman Charged With Driving Under the Influence

JOLIET, IL — Joliet City Councilman Jim McFarland was charged with driving under the influence.

McFarland, 37, was pulled over by a state trooper as he headed west on Interstate 80 near Interstate 355 about 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

McFarland was charged with driving under the influence, speeding, improper lane usage and operating an uninsured vehicle. He was released on his own recognizance after surrendering his driver’s license.

McFarland was driving 85 mph in a 65 mph zone, according to police.

During the traffic stop, a "strong odor of alcohol emitted" from McFarland's breath, a state trooper reported, his eyes were red and glassy, and his speech was slurred.

District 5 State Police spokeswoman Deann Falat failed to respond to calls about the case. McFarland also could not be reached for comment.

McFarland, a councilman-at-large, was elected to the council in April 2013.

Last year, McFarland’s alleged improper use of city envelopes for political purposes became the focus of investigation. In November, he admitted to using city-branded envelopes to send out letters for a Veterans Day breakfast and mailers for Joliet-area lost pets.

McFarland also came under scrutiny for his alleged use of a postal machine at the Forest Preserve District of Will County. He had been a community partnerships manager at the forest preserve district but resigned in October.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed both matters but declined to pursue criminal charges.