A Georgia sheriff was arrested late last month on charges of driving under the influence while operating a county vehicle, according to police reports.

Sheriff Gerald Couch was allegedly found to have a blood alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit at the time of his arrest. The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.08 percent in Georgia.

According to police reports, Couch told officers he had been drinking since 6 a.m. on the day of his arrest. The incident involved Couch driving a county-owned vehicle while intoxicated.

The arrest represents a significant legal challenge for the elected law enforcement official, who is responsible for overseeing county jail operations and serving court documents in his jurisdiction. No additional details about the circumstances of the traffic stop or arrest have been released by authorities.

Couch's case will proceed through the court system like any other DUI charge. The incident occurred late last month, though the exact date has not been specified in available reports.