Alcohol enforcement director steps down after DUI arrest
A few hours after her arrest for DUI and speeding near Lewes, Siobhan G. Sullivan, the state’s director of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, submitted her resignation to Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Lewis Schiliro. Sullivan, who served with the Delaware State Police for 21 years and as director for two years, wrote in a brief letter dated Friday, Oct. 8, she was grateful to serve as director and valued her many years of service to the state.
Retiring in 2008 with the rank of sergeant, Sullivan was highly touted by then-Gov. Ruth Ann Minner for the position. She was also a decorated state police trooper, receiving two lifesaving awards and two superintendent citations.
State police stopped Sullivan, 45, of Rehoboth Beach, about 2:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, for speeding on southbound Route 1, near Dartmouth Drive. She was taken to Troop 7 where she took a Breathalyzer test, the results of which police did not release, according to Kimberly H. Chandler, Department of Safety and Homeland Security spokeswoman.
Sullivan was released pending arraignment at a later date, and could face additional charges. She had been placed on administrative leave with pay prior to her resignation.
According to a news release announcing her appointment on Nov. 14, 2008, Sullivan began her career with state police in 1987 in the patrol section, and was named to a new Governor’s Task Force with members of probation and parole to proactively monitor recently released inmates. In 1990, she was moved to the special investigations unit and served as an undercover detective. After two years, she was selected to serve as drill instructor at the state police academy. Sullivan served as Minner’s security chief until she retired in 2008 from state police to accept the director’s position.
Former Secretary David Mitchell said Sullivan’s exemplary career with Delaware State Police combined with her leadership skills made her the top choice for the job.
The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco was established in 1933 following the repeal of prohibition. The division is responsible for enforcement of all laws relating to the sale and distribution of alcohol and consumption of alcohol by minors. It is also responsible for laws dealing with youth’s access to tobacco.
She is the second high-profile state official to be charged with DUI in the Lewes area over the past week. Rep. Brad Bennett, D-Dover, was stopped by Lewes police at 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, for a traffic violation and charged with DUI.
