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CASSOPOLIS — A former Cass County correctional officer was sentenced to probation for third offense drunk driving Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.

Charles Lee Maleski, 44, of Gage Street in Dowagiac, pleaded guilty to third offense drunk driving and was sentenced to three years probation in the Adult Treatment Court, completion of the Twin County Probation program, credit for 110 days served and $3,533 in fines and costs.

      The incident occurred Sept. 2 in Wayne Township outside of Dowagiac. Maleski was hit a vehicle and then fled the scene. He was arrested a short time later and found to have a blood alcohol level of .288, over three times the legal limit.

      Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz noted that Maleski had worked for the sheriff’s department in the past.

“When he’s sober, he acts like a gentleman,” Fitz said. “But that won’t keep him from killing or injuring someone if he drives drunk … He understands more than many what can happen if he doesn’t follow his probation. I hope this will put him on the right path.”

      Defense attorney Greg Feldman said Maleski has now realized that he can’t do it his own and needs help to maintain his sobriety.

“There are those who can drink and know when to stop and others who can’t drink at all, he’s in the latter category,” he said. “I really, really hope he can change, alcohol for him is evil.”

      Maleski said he was glad he was arrested and that he hadn’t hurt anyone.

“I’m taking this as an opportunity to be sober,” he said. “It’s a me problem and I’m working on it every day. I’m 145 days sober today and my fog is lifting more every day.”

      Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman said this was Maleski’s fifth drunk driving offense in the last three years and that Maleski will face more time in jail if he is unsuccessful on probation.

“You’re a bad drunk in the sense that you drive when you drink,” he said.