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WASHINGTON, IOWA -- Keokuk County Sheriff Jeff Shipley avoided a drunk driving conviction on Friday, and he may have his constituents to thank.

Prosecutors have agreed to dismiss a drunk-driving charge that had been filed against the county sheriff.

Washington County Attorney Larry Brock said Friday there was enough evidence to prove Shipley was drunk when he was stopped and arrested in Sigourney, but that other factors led his office to conclude there was a less than 50 percent chance of convincing a Keokuk County jury to convict Shipley.

Brock cited Shipley's strong electoral support among the factors.

Brock says the dismissal was conditioned on Shipley's getting alcohol evaluation and treatment.

Shipley pleaded guilty in 2008 to drunken boating. Shipley was off-duty and in a private vehicle when he was arrested in Sigourney on July 27.

Brock's office took over prosecution to avoid conflicts in Keokuk County.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Shipley trial delayed