A prominent Iowa judge, Adria Kester, made headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. The chief judge of Iowa’s largest district, the Second Judicial, was caught driving under the influence after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel and crossing into oncoming traffic on US Highway 30 in Boone.
According to reports, a concerned motorist noticed Kester appearing unconscious and slumped over the steering wheel of her 2026 GMC Canyon Denali. The witness took quick action by entering the vehicle through the back window and putting it in park to prevent a potential disaster.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Kester to be unsteady on her feet and unable to walk without assistance. A cup containing a liquid that smelled like alcohol was discovered in her truck, and she exhibited classic signs of intoxication such as bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech.
Kester was subsequently charged with operating while intoxicated and taken into custody at 4 a.m. the following day. Despite the evidence against her, she has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In response to the incident, Kester’s lawyer, Matt Lindholm, issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. He assured the public that Kester is fully cooperating with the authorities and the judicial process and is committed to addressing the matter responsibly and in accordance with the law.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, not even a high-ranking judge. It also highlights the dangers of driving under the influence and the potential consequences that can result from such reckless behavior. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Kester navigates the legal system that she has been a part of for so long.
