An associate director for the state’s Office of Substance Abuse was arrested Sunday on a charge of driving under the influence.

Joan Smyrski, 62, of Jefferson, was arrested Sunday evening on Rangeley Road in the Franklin County town of Avon. Franklin County Chief Deputy Steven Lowell said his office had received a complaint around 7 p.m. that Smyrski was driving erratically.

Lowell was not the arresting officer and said Wednesday that he did not know whether Smyrski’s blood-alcohol level was tested or, if it was, what that test showed. Such tests are standard in OUI arrests. 

Smyrski was taken to the Franklin County jail Sunday night. She was released Monday on $150 cash bail.  

Smyrski has worked for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services for years and last year earned more than $94,000.

She has multiple responsibilities at DHHS, according to the department’s website. She is listed as associate director for treatment and recovery in DHHS’ Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. She is also listed as an assistant director in DHHS’ licensing and regulatory services division, where she deals with child care licensing, out-of-home investigations, Maine’s medical marijuana program, behavioral health and substance abuse and workforce development.

Smyrski is scheduled to speak about opioid-prescribing limits at the Maine Nurse Practitioner Association’s annual fall conference in November. The association lists her as associate director for the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.

The Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services provides leadership in substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.

DHHS spokeswoman Samantha Edwards declined to comment on Smyrski’s arrest, saying the department does not comment on personnel matters. She did not respond to further questions, including whether an OUI conviction would be grounds for discipline or dismissal. 

Smyrski could not be reached for comment Wednesday. An email sent to her DHHS address generated an automatic reply that advised she would be out of the office starting Tuesday, Sept. 27. It did not give a reason for her absence or a return date. A home phone could not be located for her Wednesday.   

Smyrski has had no accidents or driving convictions in at least the past 10 years, according to the Maine Bureau of  Motor Vehicles.  

She is scheduled to appear in court on the OUI charge Tuesday, Oct. 25.

The penalty for a basic OUI is a $500 fine and loss of license for 150 days. Aggravating factors, such as excessive speeding or a very high blood-alcohol level, can increase the penalty.

ltice@sunjournal.com