Deputy gets probation for showing up drunk

ROSEVILLE — A Placer County sheriff’s deputy admitted to coming to work drunk and violating his probation, but a judge spared him further jail time.

The attorney for Deputy John Caliguire, 48, told the judge his client served his original 45-day jail sentence for driving under the influence, underwent an in-patient rehabilitation program and faithfully attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings since his re-arrest in March.

“He’s done everything the court would want him to do,” attorney Thomas Leupp said.

Caliguire, a longtime bailiff in the Placer Superior Court system, apologized to the judge for not following the conditions of his probation, which includes refraining from alcohol.

“I do accept full responsibility for my actions and I accept whatever the court will impose,” he said.

While expressing disappointment in Caliguire for violating probation, the judge said he was pleased the defendant had taken steps to deal with his drinking.

“The steps you have taken are encouraging,” he said.

The judge could have sent Caliguire back to jail for another 45 days but instead the deputy will remain on probation for three years and be required to attend five Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week.

Caliguire was first arrested for driving under the influence on Nov. 7, 2009, after police in Rocklin spotted him driving erratically and pulled him over. He was then re-arrested for showing up to work under the influence in March.

On Feb. 26, Caliguire pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge.