A Villages podiatrist has been ordered to attend DUI school and to stay away from alcohol as the result of a sentencing hearing earlier this month in Lake County.
Dr. Felix Esarey, 49, a resident of the Villages of Parkwood and owner of Tri-County Podiatry in The Villages, had been arrested on a charge of driving under the influence on Thanksgiving on U.S. Hwy. 27/441 in Fruitland Park. He refused to provide a breath sample and threatened to go to the superiors of the deputy who made the arrest.
Esarey’s attorney, Jaimie Washo Spivey, was successful in bargaining the charge down from driving under the influence to reckless driving.
Esarey pleaded no contest to the lesser charge on March 8 in Lake County Court.
He has been placed on probation for one year. He has been ordered to participate in a Victim Awareness Program, attend DUI school and seek recommended treatment, perform 50 hours of community service and to stay away from alcohol.