Hinesville council member arrested, charged with DUI

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - Hinesville City Councilman Jose Ortiz was arrested and charged with a DUI Thursday evening in Hinesville.

Ortiz was initially stopped for not wearing his seatbelt shortly after 11 p.m., according to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said a deputy initially stopped the process of handing Ortiz the citation, but he detected the odor of alcohol. The deputy asked Ortiz if he had anything to drink, law enforcement said he did not respond.

Law enforcement said Ortiz refused to blow into a breathalyzer and submit to a blood draw. Ortiz did submit to a field sobriety test, which he failed.

A Liberty County Sheriff’s Office deputy placed Ortiz into custody and charged him with driving under the influence and for not wearing a seatbelt.

Ortiz is a District 5 Councilmember, he was previously arrested and charged with a DUI in 2024.

The City of Hinesville issued the following statement, saying it is aware of the arrest of Ortiz:

“As this is a pending legal matter involving an elected official in his individual capacity, the City will not comment on the specific allegations or legal proceedings. The City respects the judicial process and will continue conducting the business of the City on behalf of the residents of Hinesville while this matter proceeds through the appropriate legal channels.”

SEE: Hinesville City Council member arrested, charged with DUI

The Coastal News Service contributed to this article.