A former Florida Department of Law Enforcement testing official will be called to testify on behalf of a Villager facing a charge of driving under the influence.
Earlier this month in Marion County Court, Ballantine’s attorney filed a document indicating that Laura Barfield of Forensic Toxicology Consulting Services will be called to testify in the case.
Barfield headed the FDLE’S Alcohol Testing Program until 2013 when she resigned amidst accusations that she used her state-issued credit card to pay for a cruise and personal shopping trips. She has since founded a consulting company.
At the time of her arrest, Ballantine initially admitted to consuming two glasses of wine. She later said it was three. Ballantine told a deputy she suffers from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and that she is a diabetic. Marion County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and determined her blood sugar was at 155. She failed field sobriety exercises and refused to provide a breath sample.
Ballantine remains free on $1,000 bond.