May 17, 2021

Kan. lobbyist charged with aggravated battery for DUI crash

Posted May 17, 2021 12:00 AM
Gardner after his February crash -photo Shawnee Co. Detention Center
Gardner after his February crash -photo Shawnee Co. Detention Center

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A criminal complaint alleges lobbyist James Gardner had a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit at the time of a February crash that injured his passenger.

The complaint which was filed May 6 charges Gardner with aggravated battery committed while driving under the influence. It also charges the 48-year-old Gardner with a felony count of interference with a law enforcement officer and a misdemeanor count of transporting liquor in an open container.

Gardner is a board member for Shawnee County’s Mission Township, where he serves as treasurer.