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Prosecutor demoted after arrest for drunken driving Bondurant says he'll undergo treatment By JESSICA SMITH Jackson County's chief deputy district attorney was demoted Tuesday following his arrest on drunken driving charges. John Bondurant, 43, was cited Sunday night for drunken driving after his vehicle ran off the road at South Stage Road and Sunset Drive. Bondurant was traveling alone. "I'm really ashamed that this happened," Bondurant said Tuesday afternoon. He said he has been an alcoholic for about 15 years and added that he plans to undergo treatment for his addiction. "I know I have a problem with limiting the number of drinks I consume. I'm an alcoholic, I know that," said Bondurant, who has worked as a deputy D.A. since 1985. "Treatment is something I know I've needed for a while, but I haven't had the courage to do anything about it." Bondurant said he plans to apply for the state's diversion program available to first-time offenders. Within a year, if Bondurant successfully completes alcohol treatment and other conditions of the program, his arrest would be stricken from the books. The program also means Bondurant would avoid having his license suspended for a year. Bondurant was cited for driving under the influence of intoxicants about 8:30 p.m. Sunday after submitting to a breath test that showed his blood alcohol content at 0.20 percent. The legal limit is 0.08 percent. Sheriff's deputies said Bondurant was traveling east on South Stage Road when he failed to make the 90-degree turn onto Sunset Drive. His car skidded across a dirt driveway before striking a steel post, utility pole and chain-link fence. The vehicle then turned over on its side. A neighbor who witnessed the accident called police, sheriff's deputies said. Bondurant was uninjured in the accident, although the right side of his car was damaged. District Attorney Mark Huddleston announced Tuesday that he planned to demote Bondurant to senior deputy district attorney. The demotion includes a pay cut, and Bondurant likely will not prosecute drunken driving cases, Huddleston said. "We hold employees in the district attorney's office to a high standard of conduct both on and off the job," Huddleston said. "I'm concerned that this incident could have a negative impact on how this office is perceived ... so a significant action (the demotion and suspension) is appropriate." Within the next week, Bondurant will be placed on a two-week suspension without pay. "I certainly can't complain about what (Huddleston) did -- the demotion or the suspension. I deserve it," Bondurant said. "I'm just grateful he's giving me a second chance." Huddleston said the case will be referred to the Marion County district attorney's office, which will determine all charges against Bondurant. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA