Douglas County Commissioner Jere McElhaney and his wife, Debra, were arrested over the weekend for domestic battery, according to jail records.

McElhaney was not at the commission’s Monday morning meeting.

According to the jail log, Jere McElhaney was booked into jail at 11:30 p.m. Friday. His wife was booked at 12:42 a.m. Saturday. Both were released Saturday afternoon. Jere McElhaney posted a $500 bond and Debra McElhaney was released on a $500 recognizance bond.

Contacted by phone Monday, McElhaney made the following statement:

“An unfortunate domestic incident occurred Friday evening at my home. The situation got to the point that I contacted the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department for help. Sometimes domestic issues need intervention by law enforcement. The law enforcement officials handled the incident in an appropriate manner, with dignity and professionalism. I have no further intention of discussing our family situation publicly.”

McElhaney said that he would be at Wednesday night’s commission meeting and did not plan to resign his commission seat.

According to jail logs, Jere McElhaney is to appear Dec. 19 in Douglas County Court and his wife on Dec. 20. Formal charges are pending. The cases are being referred to the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office to handle because a Douglas County official is involved.