Mahoning Co. Treasurer pleads not guilty in OVI case

Daniel Yemma, Mahoning County Treasurer

Mahoning County Treasurer Daniel Yemma's attorney entered a written not guilty plea in Struthers Municipal Court Monday morning.

Yemma was arrested in Struthers at 9:47 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, and charged with driving under the influence.

According to the police report, a Struthers police officer observed a white Chevy Blazer which failed to stop at a stop sign on Short Street near State Street in the city. 

The officer noticed that vehicle pulled onto the curb as the officer pulled the vehicle over on State Street just east of Poland Ave. The driver was identified as Daniel Yemma, 64. 

The report states the officer smelled a strong odor consistent with alcohol. The officer asked Yemma repeatedly how much he had to drink, but the report says that Yemma responded that he hadn't been drinking. 

The report states that Yemma failed two field sobriety tests, following a light with his eyes and walk-and-turn field test. 

Yemma said he wears contacts and has a problem with his legs.

The report said the Yemma was "wobbling from side to side and taking small steps to avoid falling over." Yemma was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI.

Yemma refused the Blood Alcohol Content test.

Yemma has been Mahoning Co. Treasurer since 2011.