Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney Bob Cooney authorized misdemeanor charges Monday against two Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office employees involved in an altercation at Little Bohemia Saturday night.

Sgt. Aimee Johnson and Deputy Kenneth Chubb were off duty and part of a group drinking at the bar when they were cut off from alcohol. According to Traverse City Police Chief Jeff O'Brien, city police officers arriving at the bar at 6:40pm were told by witnesses the group became angry after being denied service. Johnson allegedly slapped a waitress on the face; then, as the group was told to leave and was being escorted outside, Johnson and a bar employee got into a scuffle. Chubb allegedly attempted to pull an employee away from Johnson.

Johnson and Chubb were arrested by officers and taken to jail. Johnson registered a .16 blood alcohol level, twice the limit to drive, and Chubb registered .07, O’Brien says. Both employees posted bail and were placed on paid administrative leave.

After reviewing the case, Cooney charged Johnson Monday with two counts of assault and battery and one count of disorderly drunk. Chubb was charged with one count of assault and battery and one count of disorderly drunk, or in the alternative, one count of disturbing the peace. Each assault charge carries up to 93 days in jail, while each disorderly drunk/disturbing the peace charge carries up to 90 days in jail.

Grand Traverse Sheriff Tom Bensley tells The Ticker the department will be evaluating possible disciplinary action and next steps following the charges as part of an internal investigation beginning today (Tuesday). "We'll be looking at all of that," he says.