Boone, Iowa – A high-ranking Iowa judge has pleaded guilty just weeks after she was found unconscious behind the wheel of a truck driving the wrong way on a major highway, according to newly released records.
Chief Judge Adria Kester, who oversees Iowa’s Second Judicial District, admitted guilt to operating while under the influence (first offense) following the November incident that left motorists stunned and prompted multiple 911 calls. Court filings show she received one year of probation, a $1,250 fine, and must complete a 48-hour OWI program as part of her plea.
What Deputies Say Happened on the Highway
According to the criminal complaint, several drivers reported a 2026 GMC Canyon Denali drifting eastbound in the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 30 near Boone shortly after 8 p.m. on November 4. The area sits roughly 45 miles northwest of Des Moines.
Witnesses told authorities the 55-year-old judge appeared passed out at the wheel as the truck crossed into the median. One concerned motorist attempted to open the driver’s side door, but the vehicle continued rolling. The witness eventually climbed through a rear window to bring the truck to a stop.
When Boone County Sheriff’s deputies arrived, they found Kester still in the driver’s seat and unresponsive, according to the affidavit.
Signs of Severe Intoxication
Deputies documented several signs of impairment, noting that Kester had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and was unable to walk when removed from the truck. Inside the cabin, officers located a cup containing a liquid that smelled strongly of alcohol.
Authorities determined she was too intoxicated to safely undergo field sobriety tests. She was instead transported to a hospital, where medical staff drew her blood for analysis. The official test results have not been made public.
Witness Accounts Describe a Close Call
Motorists who called 911 believed the situation could have turned deadly. The slow-moving wrong-way vehicle created immediate danger for oncoming traffic, according to the complaint.
One witness described seeing the judge “slumped over the wheel” as the truck veered into the median, prompting the attempt to enter the truck and stop it. No injuries were reported.
Judge Issues Statement Through Attorney
In a statement provided to the Associated Press, attorney Matt Lindholm said Kester acknowledges the severity of the incident.
“Judge Kester recognizes the seriousness of the situation and is fully cooperating with law enforcement and the judicial process,” the statement read. “She is committed to addressing this matter responsibly and in accordance with the law.”
The plea agreement allows the case to be resolved without a trial.
Kester’s Background and Role in Iowa’s Judicial System
Kester has served on the bench since 2017, presiding over the Second Judicial District, which covers multiple counties in north-central Iowa. Before becoming a judge, her career included work as a prosecutor, public defender, and private defense attorney.
Her future on the bench may depend on internal judicial review processes that often follow criminal convictions involving sitting judges.
What Comes Next
With probation conditions in place, Kester must complete the state-mandated OWI program and comply with all supervision requirements. No additional disciplinary actions have been publicly announced.
Residents and legal professionals across Iowa continue to follow the situation closely, given her influential position within the state’s court system.
