JEFFERSON COUNTY — A 31-year-old Mt. Vernon man scheduled to appear in court Tuesday on a DUI conviction reportedly arrived in court under the influence of alcohol.

James Scroggins (Source: MVPD)
James Scroggins
(Source: MVPD)

James K. Scroggins recently pleaded guilty to driving under the influence March 22 when he crashed into the Garden Glen Apartments in Mt. Vernon resulting in an explosion and fire that caused numerous people to be displaced from their homes.

On Tuesday, Scroggins was ordered to serve 162 days in jail for contempt of court after a breathalyzer test showed his blood alcohol level at .086, exceeding the legal level of intoxication.

The breathalyzer test was ordered after a court officer reportedly smelled alcohol on Scroggins as he was leaving the courtroom following his hearing.

He was in court Tuesday for a status hearing leading up to his sentencing on Class 4 felony aggravated DUI.