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Wrestler Jack Swagger set for DUI trial in Gulfport

Posted: Apr 11th 2013 By: CMBurnham

Wrestler Jack Swagger, who lost his shot at the world heavyweight championship this week to Alberto Del Rio, is set for trial in Gulfport. He was arrested Feb. 19 on a charge of driving under the influence of marijuana after a taping of the TV show "WWE SmackDown."

Swagger, 30, whose real name is Donald Jacob Hager, will appear for trial June 25 in Gulfport Municipal Court.

Swagger lost a match for the world heavyweight title Sunday at WrestleMania 29, at which Del Rio retained the title at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The night of Swagger's arrest, he had been at the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi for a "SmackDown" taping. About an hour later, Gulfport police said an officer clocked his 2013 Ford Taurus at 55 mph in a 45-mph zone on Lorraine Road.

Police said they found a small amount of marijuana in the car and suspected he was driving under the influence of pot.

Police Lt. Craig Petersen said Swagger was released to the custody of a friend.

Swagger was arrested on misdemeanor charges of DUI, speeding and possession of marijuana. Gulfport Municipal Court typically requires defendants in DUI cases to appear in court. City prosecutor Kirk Clark said he always recommends the maximum sentence of two days in jail for first-time offenders and completion of victim-impact classes.

Swagger's charges carry fines of $437.25 for the marijuana, $188 for driving 10 mph over the speed limit, and $1,300 for driving impaired on a first DUI offense.