WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Washington County Sheriff Samuel Romano has been charged with a DUI in West Virginia, WTAE Channel 4's Bob Mayo reported Monday.

Romano, 43, was held overnight in the Tygart County Regional Jail after being arrested early on the evening of June 4, according to jail officials.

"Over the past weekend, I was on vacation in Elkins, W.Va., with my fiancee. I made a poor error in judgment by having a few beers and then sightseeing... By no means do I feel I am above the law in this or any other matter," Romano said in a statement Monday afternoon.
Video: Sheriff Apologizes

Tucker County Sheriff Tom Felton said Romano was behind the wheel of a car that got pulled over for crossing the centerline twice on State Route 72 in Parsons, W.Va.

A sheriff's deputy said Romano's breath smelled of alcohol and his eyes appeared bloodshot and glassy, Felton told Mayo.

Romano failed five field sobriety tests and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.231 percent, which is nearly triple West Virginia's legal limit of 0.08 percent, Felton said.

Romano is free on $5,000 bond. A date for his initial court appearance has not been set yet.

"I just hope they can forgive me," Romano said to county residents, adding that he "sincerely regrets" his actions and takes full responsibility.

"This in no way has affected or will in the future affect the ongoing service I have provided since my tenure started 29 months ago," Romano said. "... I intend to use this as an example for others that no one is above the law."

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