Washington County Sheriff Samuel F. Romano was arrested, jailed and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in West Virginia last week, with a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit.

Mr. Romano, 43, of Canton, a former deputy sheriff who was elected to a four-year term as sheriff in 2005, said in a statement yesterday he would not resign, but would accept responsibility for his actions, calling them "a poor error in judgment."

Mr. Romano was arrested at about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday.

An Intoxometer test -- similar to a Breathalyzer -- indicated Mr. Romano's blood alcohol level was 0.231. Like Pennsylvania, West Virginia presumes intoxication with a blood alcohol level of 0.08.

Mr. Felton said Mr. Romano was cooperative during the arrest.