Iowa Judge Found Passed Out After Driving Wrong Way on Highway, Too Intoxicated for Sobriety Tests, Police Say
BOONE, IOWA — An Iowa chief district judge was arrested after allegedly driving the wrong way on a major highway while intoxicated and later found passed out behind the wheel, according to law enforcement.
Adria Kester, 55, the chief judge of Iowa’s Second Judicial District, faces a first-offense charge of operating while intoxicated after motorists called 911 to report her erratic driving on the night of November 4.
Motorists Reported Truck Going the Wrong Way
According to a criminal complaint obtained by the Associated Press, concerned drivers spotted Kester’s 2026 GMC Canyon Denali traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 30 near Boone, roughly 45 miles northwest of Des Moines.
Witnesses told police the judge appeared to be slumped over the steering wheel before her truck slowly drifted into the median. One bystander even climbed through the back window to stop the moving vehicle after being unable to open the driver’s door.
Deputies Say Judge Was Too Drunk to Walk or Be Tested
Deputies from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office arrived to find Kester unconscious in the driver’s seat. Officers reported that she smelled strongly of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. A cup containing an alcoholic-smelling liquid was found inside the truck.
When deputies pulled Kester from the vehicle, she was reportedly unable to stand or walk, leading them to determine that it was unsafe to conduct field sobriety tests. She was taken to a hospital for evaluation, where medical staff drew her blood for toxicology testing, the results of which are still pending.
Judge Releases Statement Through Attorney
Kester’s attorney, Matt Lindholm, issued a statement acknowledging the severity of the case:
“Judge Kester recognizes the seriousness of the situation and is fully cooperating with law enforcement and the judicial process. She is committed to addressing this matter responsibly and in accordance with the law.”
Court records show Kester was booked at the Boone County Jail and later released pending formal proceedings.
Background and Career
Adria Kester was appointed to the bench in 2017 and currently serves as chief judge of Iowa’s Second Judicial District, overseeing multiple counties. Before her appointment, she worked as a prosecutor, public defender, and private defense attorney.
The Iowa Judicial Branch has not announced any disciplinary actions but confirmed that it is reviewing the situation in accordance with judicial conduct procedures.
The incident has sparked widespread attention across Iowa’s legal community, raising questions about accountability among members of the judiciary. For continued updates on state and legal developments, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.