A former Carnegie Mellon University professor pleaded guilty today to four drunken driving cases — including three that occurred in eight days.
Jeffrey Hunker, 53, of Shadyside remains jailed until he is sentenced May 13.
"Yes, your honor. I committed these terrible crimes," Hunker told Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Kevin G. Sasinoski.
Hunker's attorney, James Cirilano, said his client has attended in-patient alcohol rehabilitation.
"He has an alcohol problem," Cirilano said. "He's genuinely upset.
"He's someone that has the potential to become a productive member of society."
CMU officials have said Hunker is no longer affiliated with the university.
Hunker was an adjunct faculty professor of technology and policy at the H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management when he was arrested Aug. 17, 2008 after he drove through a neighbor's yard, ran over a small tree and hit another neighbor's porch railing and house, police said. A Breathalyzer test showed his blood alcohol level at .262 percent.
The next day, Hunker was arrested at 11 a.m. after one of the officers involved in the previous day's arrest noticed Hunker's BMW traveling on North Craig Street with heavy rear-end damage and no brake lights. Tests showed Hunker's blood alcohol level at .167 percent, police reported.
Officers responded on Aug. 24, 2008 to Hunker's home for a report of a suicidal male. When they arrived at the house, Hunker had already left. An officer spotted Hunker driving and pulled him over. Hunker told police he drank a pint of vodka. He failed his field sobriety tests but refused a Breathalyzer test, police said.
Hunker was arrested again on Nov. 26, 2009 — Thanksgiving night — in Shadyside after police said he hit at least one car near his Shady Avenue home. Hunker has been in jail since.
