City commissioner resigns after wife arrested for DUI

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. — Action News Jax has learned that St. Augustine Beach Commissioner Ernesto Torres abruptly resigned from his position Monday.

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He confirmed with Action News Jax, only saying he did so to spend more time with his family.

Eight days prior to his resignation, a police report shows his wife, Nicole Torres, was arrested for DUI.

According to police, Mrs. Torres was driving a Dodge Ram pickup truck erratically. Police also report that Ernesto Torres was sitting in the passenger seat; both appeared to be impaired.

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Police say that once an officer told Torres his wife was being arrested, he became angry and attempted to call the sheriff and chief of police.

In the report, Torres then said, “C’mon man. That’s my wife. Just let us go home,” before clapping his hands at the officers and saying, “Great job guys. You guys are a joke.”

Police say the commissioner continued on, saying he had been to Iraq with Sheriff Hardwick, and then said, “After all I’ve done for you guys. I voted to give your department a pay increase ... and this is the thanks you give me?”

“What he did is just on the verge of attempted bribery, right? But it doesn’t involve money, doesn’t involve a promise to do anything. All he was doing was like a peacock displaying all his connections in the city,” Action News Jax and Safety Expert Dale Carson said.

Carson has years of law enforcement experience. He commends the officers for not giving the couple a free pass.

“They did the right thing, and it can be hard to do,” Carson said. “It’s everywhere, and we need to fight against it.”

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Despite Torres’ name and picture still being on the city’s website, the city confirmed Torres’ resignation and said they wish Torres and his family the best.

The city says the Commission will discuss filling Torres’ seat at its next meeting on Feb. 7.

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