An Iowa judge has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated after an alarming incident in which she was found driving the wrong way on a highway while passed out behind the wheel. The incident has drawn significant attention due to the judge’s prominent position in the state’s judicial system and the serious nature of the allegations.
The judge in question is Adria Kester, the chief judge of Iowa’s Second Judicial District. Kester, 55, was taken into custody following the incident that occurred on the evening of Tuesday, when several motorists called 911 to report a truck traveling slowly eastbound in the westbound lanes on U.S. Highway 30 near Boone, Iowa. Witnesses described the driver as appearing unconscious and slumped over the steering wheel, a dangerous situation on a busy highway that could have resulted in a severe accident.
One witness, concerned for the driver’s safety and the safety of others on the road, stopped to check on the individual. They found that the driver’s door was locked and could not be opened. The vehicle, a 2026 GMC Canyon Denali truck, was still moving slowly in the highway median. In an effort to prevent further danger, the witness climbed through the back window, managed to put the truck in park, and turned the engine off. This quick thinking helped avert what could have been a catastrophic event.
When law enforcement arrived, a deputy from the Boone County sheriff’s office found Kester in the driver’s seat, visibly intoxicated and unsteady on her feet. According to the deputy’s report, Kester was unable to walk without assistance and was transported to an ambulance for medical evaluation. Even after being cleared by medical personnel, she remained unable to walk and declined to say whether she would submit to field sobriety testing. The deputy noted that given her condition, it would not have been safe or appropriate to conduct such tests at that time.
Following medical clearance, a warrant was obtained to draw a blood sample from Kester at Boone County Hospital. She was arrested for first offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) and booked into the Boone County Jail around 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning. According to court records, Kester was released from jail later that day. However, the results of any blood tests taken have not been publicly disclosed.
Kester’s status as a high-ranking judge in Iowa’s judicial system has complicated the legal proceedings. She was appointed chief judge of the Second Judicial District in December 2022 by Iowa Chief Justice Susan Christensen. The district covers 22 counties across northern and central Iowa, making it the largest judicial district geographically in the state. In her role, Kester supervises hundreds of judges and court employees and presides over a wide range of cases. She was initially appointed as a district judge in 2017 by Governor Kim Reynolds, following a career as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney.
Due to Kester’s judicial position and the potential conflicts of interest, one district associate judge recused herself from the case on Wednesday, citing a “professional relationship” with Kester. To ensure impartiality, Chief Justice Christensen signed an order appointing a judge from outside the district to oversee the case. Judge Gregory Brandt was designated to handle the proceedings.
Similarly, the Boone County Attorney’s Office acknowledged a conflict of interest and requested that the Polk County Attorney’s Office serve as special prosecutor in this matter. This step was taken to maintain fairness and avoid any appearance of bias in prosecuting the case against Kester.
Following her initial court appearance, a judge ordered Kester’s release without bond. The judge also mandated that she submit to a substance abuse evaluation and comply with any treatment recommendations within the next 30 days. These measures are standard in cases involving operating while intoxicated charges and are aimed at addressing any underlying issues related to substance use.
The Iowa Judicial Branch acknowledged awareness of Kester’s arrest but declined to comment on the situation, citing that it is an active legal case and a personnel matter. Steve Davis, a spokesperson for the branch, noted that the seven-member Judicial Qualifications Commission is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct by Iowa judges. This commission has the authority to recommend disciplinary actions, including retirement, sanctions, or removal of judges, to the Iowa Supreme Court.
The incident has sparked conversations about accountability and the responsibilities of those who serve in positions of public trust. As chief judge, Kester holds a significant role in overseeing the administration of justice across a large portion of Iowa. The