DWI: Sarah Salem, Councilmember At-Large, pleads not guilty, driver's license suspended

Correction: A previous version of this article included an incorrect date for the next court appearance. 

City of Poughkeepsie Councilmember At-Large Sarah Salem is due in court Aug. 12 after pleading not guilty to charges of driving while intoxicated, Dutchess County Assistant District Attorney Erin Ginty said. 

Salem, whose driver's license has been suspended as the case proceeds, was arraigned Wednesday in City of Poughkeepsie Court.  They were accompanied by attorney Steve Patterson. Ginty said discussions are ongoing.

The charges are linked to a car crash around midnight on Feb. 27  at the corner of Main and Bridge streets. According to Police Chief Tom Pape, Salem and the driver of the other vehicle were unharmed and suffered minimal damage to their vehicles. 

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Salem was given a sobriety test by officers at the scene and tested positive "for the possibility of intoxication," Pape said at the time. 

Salem, who did not respond to journal inquiries Friday evening, was elected Councilmember At-Large in November after winning a race against Sakima McClinton. They replaced Ann Finney, who opted not to run for reelection. Salem earns $22,500 annually.

Previously, Salem represented the city's second ward on the Common Council for two years. They also work as Director of Development at Dutchess Outreach. 

Katelyn Cordero: kcordero@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4870; Twitter: @KatelynCordero.