Pontiac, MI — Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald has charged a 58-year-old Bingham Farms woman with Operating While Impaired – Third Offense following an incident at Alpine Valley Ski Area.
Margaret Feely is accused of driving her vehicle near the base of ski slopes in White Lake Township on February 24, where skiers and snowboarders, including children were present.
Witnesses reportedly told police the defendant had been smoking what appeared to be marijuana earlier and was wearing ski boots while driving. Officers attempting field sobriety tests said she showed poor balance, slurred speech, and hostility. During the encounter, she allegedly referred to one of the officers as “Nazi dude.”
“This defendant endangered children with her irresponsible actions,” said Prosecutor McDonald. “There is no excuse to drive impaired, even once. If you’ve had too much to drink or are under the influence of marijuana or other drugs, call a friend, call an Uber, just don’t drive. If you do, we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”
A third-offense impaired driving charge is a felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or 30 days to 1 year in jail with probation. Fines range from $500 to $5,000, and the conviction carries mandatory vehicle immobilization for 1 to 3 years.
Bond was set at $5,000 (10% cash). A probable cause conference is set for March 12 at 2:00 p.m., with a preliminary exam scheduled for March 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Feely is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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