CALIFORNIA BRIEFING / SACRAMENTO

Scott Kernan, the second-ranking administrator of California’s prison system, has been suspended for six weeks without pay as punishment for driving his state car under the influence of alcohol, officials said Friday.

Kernan, who was arrested June 7 after being pulled over by California Highway Patrol officers near Sacramento, said in a statement that he will enter a guilty plea to the charge later this month, which will also result in his license being suspended.

“I am deeply remorseful for my actions and arrest on June 7, and offer no excuse for my poor judgment,” Kernan said. “I am fully aware that my conduct was unbecoming of a peace officer, and reflects poorly on my record of service to the state and to the governor. I am humbled that the secretary has requested that I continue to serve the department upon completion of my suspension.”

Kernan, 47, was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in November 2008 as undersecretary for prison operations for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The suspension will be retroactive to his arrest date.

-- Patrick McGreevy