Suburban Pittsburgh Mayor Arrested

McKEESPORT, PA — McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko was arrested in Nashville early Sunday after a dispute at a bar over a credit card.

Cherepko was taken into custody outside of the Whiskey Row, a popular nightclub, after allegedly accusing staff members of stealing his credit card. He was charged with public intoxication and criminal trespass.

Cherepko on Monday apol0gized for what he termed "an embarrassing situation."

"What started as a misunderstanding over my missing credit card could have been handled the next day with the establishment or my bank," he said in a statement.

"I should not have allowed myself to be in a situation like this, and unfortunately, I have to deal with the consequence. That means having my day in court and hopefully being absolved of any charges once the facts are explained.”

Previously a city councilman who worked as a fifth-grade teacher in the McKeesport Area School District, Michael Cherepko has been McKeesport's mayor since 2012, according to the city website. He was re-elected to a third term this month.