Sioux Center, Iowa — A Sioux Center man has been arrested on two felony charges after he was allegedly found driving drunk and in violation of sex offender registry laws.
On Saturday, Sioux Center police arrested 27-year-old Jose Hernandez Ortiz, according to documents filed with the Sioux County Clerk of Court by Sioux Center Police.
In his statement, the officer says he found Hernandez Ortiz driving while in violation of sex offender registry requirements. His Iowa driving status was revoked, and the required ignition interlock device was not installed. The officer says Hernandez Ortiz exhibited a strong odor of alcoholic beverage, bloodshot and watery eyes, and impaired balance, and he allegedly failed standardized field sobriety tests. A preliminary breath test returned a result of 0.159, which is nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08.
He was charged with operating under the influence, third or subsequent offense and violation of sex offender registration requirements, second or subsequent offense, both class D felonies. If convicted, Hernandez Ortiz could face up to five years in prison on each count. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of driving while his license was denied or revoked.
He faces a preliminary hearing on January 20th.
Hernandez Ortiz was booked into the Sioux County Jail in Orange City and was released on Monday after posting a $5000 cash or surety bond.
KIWA Staff Photo
