Guilty Plea In Post-Election Drinking & Driving Incident

FULLERTON, CA — The former city manager of the city of Fullerton pleaded guilty to a reckless driving charge that included alcohol, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Joseph Burt Felz, a 58-year-old Fullerton resident, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one misdemeanor count of reckless driving that involved alcohol which will count as a prior conviction should he be caught driving under the influence in the next 10 years.

In November of 2016, Felz was seen attending different election parties in downtown Fullerton, according to Voice of the OC. He was seen crashing his minivan in a residential neighborhood and trying to flee the scene on a flat tire. His actions were reported to the police, who attempted to pull him over for recklessly driving in a residential area after drinking.

"Fullerton police administered a field sobriety test and drove Felz to his him in a police car," OCDA prosecutor Cynthia Nichols said. The case was given over to the OCDA's office for further review.

Felz was sentenced to serve 40 hours of community service, three years of informal probation as well as he must complete a three month first offender alcohol program. He will also pay a $390 fine, and make restitution to the City of Fullerton.

Felz retired from his position as City Manager in early 2017.

City of Fullerton photo