NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Days after a second arrest for drinking and driving, New Orleans City Councilman Jared Brossett says he is not stepping down, but he is stepping away from his duties as a council member to seek treatment for alcoholism.
In a statement, Brossett writes “addiction is an illness. It is not a choice. For me, my family, and those I serve, I must prioritize rehabilitation.
Early Monday morning, police arrested Brossett for his second DWI.
In June of 2020, he crashed a city-leased SUV on Elysian Fields near the I-10 off-ramp, then failed a sobriety test. Brossett agreed to pay more than $45,000 in restitution to the city and entered a rehab program at Ochsner.
Brossett said this week he will enter an in-patient rehabilitation center.
The councilman added he will complete his term on the council. His staff will do his job until he returns.
Brossett is also a candidate for Council Member-At-Large in the November 13 election, but he said he will suspend all campaign activities.
