Categories: News, Schenectady County

A city man being processed by police on a drunken-driving charge this past weekend is now facing a more serious charge, accused of offering an officer bicycles to forget the drunken-driving case, authorities said.

Matthew W. Plaine, 26, of State Street, now faces one count of third-degree bribery, a felony.

As he waited at the station to be processed early Sunday morning, Plaine is accused of identifying himself to police sergeant as a manager at Plaine and Son bike shop on Upper State Street, according to papers filed in court.

Plaine then allegedly told the sergeant just after 2 a.m., “I will give you a few bicycles if you let me go,” according to court paperwork.

Two other officers nearby heard Plaine’s statement, according to papers.

An offer to a public servant itself is enough to bring the bribery charge, according to state statute.

By that point, Plaine already faced the original drunken-driving count and accusations he refused to cooperate with paperwork during booking.

Officers originally encountered Plaine on State Street, near Garfield Avenue just after 1 a.m., records indicate.

Officers said they pulled him over for speeding and an inadequate tail light, as well as for driving in the center lane. Officers also said they found him driving an unregistered and uninspected motor vehicle, according to a prosecutor and arrests records.

In addition, officers said they arrested him for misdemeanor DWI and refusing a breath test.

At the station, Plaine allegedly refused to answer required information during booking, netting an added misdemeanor obstructing governmental administration charge.

Plaine appeared in court, and the judge ordered him held on $1,000 cash or $3,000 bond. Plaine posted bond Monday and has been released. He is due back in court next month.

Plaine appeared in court with attorney Nicholas Orecki, who declined to comment when contacted today.

Les Plaine, owner of Plaine and Son, confirmed by phone today that Matthew Plaine is his son. He declined to comment further.

Reach Gazette reporter Steven Cook at 395-3122, [email protected] or @ByStevenCook on Twitter.