Police officer arrested for perjury

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Officials say a Newport News police officer specializing in DUI arrests has been charged with perjury.

According to Lou Thurston with the Newport News Police Department, 49-year-old Scott Mounger was arrested Monday on charges of perjury and falsely summoning or giving false reports to law enforcement officials.

Thurston said last November, the department had been notified of "significant discrepancies" in Mounger's testimony during a Driving Under the Influence case in Newport News General District Traffic Court. Thurston said a criminal investigation of alleged perjury by Mounger immediately followed.

Following an "extensive investigation" consisting of interviews, the case was brought to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office which advised pursuing the charges against Mounger.

A Grand Jury heard the case Monday and returned a true bill of indictment on one count of perjury and one count of falsely summoning or giving false reports to law enforcement officials.

He was placed on administrative leave without pay.

Mounger has been recognized time and again for his work by reigning in drivers under the influence.

"He's received awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and our department," Thurston said.

Mounger joined the department in 2005. A year later, he made had 27 DUI arrests, the most in his precinct. In 2007, he had made 60 DUI arrests, the highest total for an officer an Newport News. 

10 On Your Side visited Mounger's home Monday evening. His wife said this is a difficult time for their family and that people should reserve judgment until more details emerge.