DCF Commissioner arrested for DUI

North Haven (WTNH) - The Commissioner of the State Department of Children and Families was released on $500 after testing positive for driving under the influence Thursday night.

This is obviously a big embarrassment for both the commissioner and the Governor.

Commissioner Susan Hamilton, 42, was arrested shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday night by a state trooper who said he observed her on I-91 Northbound in North Haven driving erratically.

The trooper's report said he pulled her over and she failed a field sobriety test.

She was taken to the state police station in Bethany where News Channel 8 was told she failed a breathalyzer test; her driver's license has since been seized. The legal limit in Connecticut is .08. Her test reading has not been released.

In an e-mailed statement, Hamilton said, "I feel great remorse and embarrassment and have apologized to the Governor. I have never been arrested before. I will take all necessary and appropriate steps to make sure this never happens again. I recognize the great responsibility I have to the children and families of Connecticut and will continue to work hard to maintain their trust."

Hamilton has been associated with the agency off and on for 15-years, starting as a social worker. She's also an attorney and was appointed Commissioner by Governor Rell last May.

The Governor also issued a statement which said, "I consider any instance of drinking and driving to be a serious matter. I also believe this to be an aberration for Commissioner Hamilton, whose personal and professional conduct has been heretofore exemplary."

This is the second, high ranking state official, to be arrested on drunk driving charge in the past few months.

Hamilton is due in court on February 6th.