23-068 Deputies Arrest Off-Duty Florida Department of Corrections Officer For Driving Under The Influence

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-Patrol Operations Bureau

Melissa A. Stachelsky (Arrested)
Age: 35
Employment: Florida Department of Corrections
Charge: Driving Under the Influence

PINELLAS COUNTY – Deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau have arrested an off-duty Florida Department of Corrections officer for Driving Under the Influence.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 18th, 2023, deputies responded to the area of Keene Road and Coastal Place in Dunedin reference to a disorderly conduct call. When deputies arrived, they located 35-year-old Melissa Stachelsky sitting in her black 2022 Dodge Charger parked along the side of Keene Road. The vehicle was running, and the hazard lights were on. As deputies approached the vehicle, Stachelsky held her Florida Department of Corrections badge and ID out the window.  

Deputies noted Stachelsky showed signs of impairment by having glassy, watery eyes and a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her breath. Stachelsky agreed to perform Field Sobriety Tests, but performed poorly on them. According to deputies, Stachelsky's breath sample indicated she had a BAC of .127. 

Stachelsky was arrested and charged with one count of DUI and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

The investigation continues.