Hospital CEO booked with second drunken driving charge

For the second time in six years, Slidell Memorial Hospital's CEO has been arrested for drunken driving. Robert L. "Bob" Hawley Jr., 64, was jailed on July 13 with one count each of driving while intoxicated, improper lane use, and speeding on the northbound Causeway Bridge, authorities confirmed Monday. Records show he posted a signature bond of $2,500 for his release the next day. Contacted this week, Hawley issued a statement urging the public to not hold his personal troubles against the community, not-for-profit hospital he oversees. "I ask that the good work done by the employees and physicians at Slidell Memorial Hospital not be diminished by my arrest," the CEO said. "This is a personal matter and did not occur during work hours. I have discussed this matter with many people, including my family. I have entered counseling, and I am taking the proper steps to address my personal issues to ensure this does not happen again."