McKeesport mayor arrested in Nashville on public intoxication, trespassing charges

NASHVILLE (KDKA) -- The McKeesport mayor was charged with public intoxication and criminal trespassing at a bar in Nashville, according to court paperwork.  

According to court paperwork, police were called to the bar Whiskey Row around 2 a.m. Sunday because McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko was "causing a scene." Police said Cherepko was arguing with security about his missing credit card, while security said Cherepko had closed his tab and gotten his card back. 

Court paperwork said Cherepko believed the bar was trying to steal his card. Officers said they could smell alcohol on him, his speech was slurred and he admitted to being "messed up." Police said they were able to convince him to leave and come back the next day to find his card. 

Cherepko was warned not to return, but about 20 minutes later, police were called again and said they arrived to find Cherepko in handcuffs outside Whiskey Row. Security told police Cherepko had come back to look for his credit card and was "clearly too intoxicated to reason with." 

Police said Cherepko didn't have anyone to look after him and because of how he was acting, officers deemed him to be a danger to himself and took him into custody "for his own safety." 

In a statement, Cherepko called it an "embarrassing situation" and apologized to his family and constituents. 

"What started as a misunderstanding over my missing credit card could have been handled the next day with the establishment or my bank," he said. "I should not have allowed myself to be in a situation like this, and unfortunately, I have to deal with the consequence. That means having my day in court and hopefully being absolved of any charges once the facts are explained."  

He was released from jail and is due back in court in January. 

Cherepko was elected in 2011 and renewed his oath of office for a second term in 2016. Before that, he was a city councilman who worked as a fifth grade teacher in the McKeesport Area School District, according to the city's website.