By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
April 17, 2002
Leesa Wilkinson, 41, of Hickory, a keyboard instructor in East Central Community College's division of fine arts, has been charged with DUI by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Phil Sutphin, ECCC president, called the situation unfortunate and said Wilkinson has been given official notice that if it happens again she will be terminated.
Sutphin said Wilkinson did not show up for the Friday performance of the musical, "Footloose," to be performed by the ECCC Players on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, at the Vickers Fine Arts Auditorium on campus. She was charged Friday, according to the Highway Patrol.
The Friday night performance was canceled and made up Sunday.
Sutphin said he will report the incident to the ECCC board. He said Wilkinson has been with ECCC since 1996 and worked there a number of years before.
Wilkinson was charged with DUI, first offense and not having an inspection sticker. She was released on cash bond according to the Newton County Sheriff's Department.
Wilkinson chose not to comment on the incident when contacted by The Meridian Star on Tuesday.