Being in the public eye has the disadvantage that if you do something wrong, in today’s social-media driven culture, everyone is going to know about it. One only needs to look at golfer Tiger Woods, singer Aaron Carter, and celebrity chef Barbara Lynch for confirmation – all have had very public DUI arrests this year. Politicians, even those on the local level, are no exception. The Times Leader reports on a Harveys Lake councilman arrested for DUI.
It began with reports of a white Cadillac that struck Halloween decorations and garbage cans outside a Spring Street home which then sped away. Officers called to investigate located a vehicle matching the description at the home of Thomas’ Kehler’s girlfriend. The vehicle had damage to the front end and a registration search turned up that it was owned by Thomas Kehler.
When police knocked on the door, according to the report, Kehler emerged. He smelled of alcohol and was slurring his words. After police took him into custody on suspicion of DUI, Kehler reportedly bragged to police: “I’m a Harveys Lake council member. Isn’t that cool?”
After his arrest, Kehler submitted to a blood test, which revealed that he had a blood-alcohol content of .186 percent. This is more than double the legal limit.
The city council vice president later pleaded guilty to the charges of driving under the influence. Other charges, including accidental damage to unattended vehicles or property, careless driving, and leaving the scene of the accident were dropped.
The 64-year-old Kehler is scheduled to be sentenced on November 16th. He faces up to 18 months suspension of his driver’s license. This is not the first time that Kehler has been accused of DUI. He was charged back in 2014 after officers said that he was swerving on Memorial Highway. Other charges, dating back to 1990 and 1993 were discovered.
Have you been charged with a DUI? You will need an attorney to represent you for your day in court. All of our attorneys are experienced in defending DUI charges. We can help. Call today.
