Councilman comments: Pierre Beard speaks on recent arrest in Alabama
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus City Councilman Pierre Beard spoke in public for the first time since his weekend arrest in Alabama.
Beard commented on the situation at tonight’s council meeting.
He was charged in Pickens County Alabama with DUI, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, and illegal alcohol.
Beard was accompanied by Qvaris Betts.
Betts was charged with public intoxication, possession of marijuana second, drug paraphernalia first offense, and illegal alcohol.
This is not Betts’ or Beard’s first run-in with the law.
Back in June, Betts was charged with two counts of armed robbery, simple assault on a police officer, and disorderly conduct in connection to a report of armed robbery at the Highway 45 Columbus Waffle House.
Beard was questioned by investigators for that June incident after he was seen talking to Betts that night when the robberies took place.
If we go back to November of 2021, Beard had a charge of misdemeanor domestic violence dismissed after a gunshot was fired during an argument with his wife on Byrnes Circle according to former Columbus police chief Fred Shelton.
January of that same year, Councilman Beard was cited during a traffic stop for possession of marijuana, less than an ounce, another misdemeanor.
WCBI asked Beard to respond to how his run-ins with the law may poorly reflect on his reputation as an elected official.
“I don’t have one. It’s funny though.” Beard went on to say, “I’m going to continue doing what I’m doing. I’m going to continue to keep fighting for my people. I’m going to continue to bring money into this city. I’m going to continue to go and talk and see with whoever has issues and I’m going to continue to solve it. In 2025 I’ll let you guys know what I’m going to do but as of right now, I’ve got two more years left and I’m going to continue to do what I gotta do.”
None of Beard’s current charges are felonies. So he was not required to resign from his council seat.
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