DC Anchor is Sentenced to Jail Time

Back in February, FTVLive told you that WRC (DC) Anchor Leon Harris was arrested on DUI charges after police say he crashed into another car and tried to leave the scene.

Harris was off the air at the NBC O&O for weeks, but later returned to the air.

Yesterday, Harris was sentenced to jail time and probation.

A Montgomery County, Maryland, district court judge sentenced Harris to one year with all but 10 days suspended, meaning he will have to spend 10 days in jail, at most. He also was sentenced to three years of supervised probation with an ignition interlock device installed on his vehicle. 

Harris is scheduled to turn himself in on Friday evening, the state’s attorney’s office said. He has the right to appeal. 

"I admitted in court today something that I have come to fully accept," Harris said in a statement. "I made a terrible decision to drink and drive. That is something I am grateful to have survived and something for which I will have to pay a debt to society. I am looking forward to doing so, and being a better and healthier person, husband and father in the process. My alcoholism will not be the end of me, but my acknowledging it is going to be a new beginning for me."

Harris continues to be employed by the NBC station.