FALMOUTH – The treasurer of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Falmouth District Court to drunken driving after he was arrested on New Year’s Eve, according to police and court documents.
Robert Hendricks, 39, of East Falmouth, pleaded not guilty to operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and marked lanes violation.
Hendricks crossed over the fog line while driving on Pitch Pine Lane in East Falmouth at 1:25 a.m., police wrote in their report. Hendricks then turned on his turn signal when there was no road to turn on, according to police. Hendricks then shut off the turn signal before coming up to Chilmark Lane, where he started to take the turn. While maneuvering the turn, Hendricks crossed over the center line and turned the signal on again, police wrote.
Police stopped Hendricks and noted the odor alcohol. While reaching into the glove box to get his license and registration, Hendricks’ car started to roll away, police wrote. They took the key out of the ignition after repeatedly asking him to put the car in park.
Inside the car were multiple liquor bottles, police wrote. Hendricks later declined to take a blood-alcohol breath test.
Hendricks was released on personal recognizance and is due back in court Feb. 16.