Bodycam released of Callaway County Deputy Clay Chism DWI arrest from October 2022

Former Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism had an administrative hearing Monday to determine the status of his peace officer license.

The hearing reviewed two separate instances: driving while intoxicated and working while intoxicated. The director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety will have 30 days to make a decision. The director may probate, suspend, or permanently revoke his peace officer's license.

Chism was arrested on suspicion of DWI in October 2022 after he crashed into a concrete barrier in a fast food parking lot in Moberly. He was suspended as sheriff in June of last year and had his peace officer license suspended the same month.

In the months following his arrest, Chism showed up to work multiple times under the influence of alcohol, according to the complaint filed with the Administrative Hearing Commission.

Chism testified during his hearing Monday, and his attorney brought three other witnesses to testify, including two close family friends and his therapist.

Chism agreed that his conduct was in reckless disregard for the safety of the public. However, he said he did not think it had a huge impact on the county.

“It had great potential to negatively affect the county. Fortunately, I was not involved in any incidents [that my job sacrificed.]” he said.

Chism previously completed a 30-day treatment program and is currently in therapy and a church-based recovery program.

“This has been a life changer,” Chism said. “I continue my treatment, but I have no desire to drink whatsoever.”

Jason Lewis, a representative for the Department of Public Safety, asked the director during closing statements to consider all evidence when reviewing disciplinary action.

“We ask simply of the director [to] carefully review the stipulation of facts, conclusions of law, as well as the evidence and testimonies you’ve heard today and to propose a level of discipline that you believe is appropriate,” Lewis said.

Chism pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DWI in December and was sentenced to two years of unsupervised probation.