Image Credit: Glynn County Detention Center & NewsChannel5 / X
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Republican Senator Ken Yager (Dist. 12-Kingston), who was just unanimously reelected as the Chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus, was arrested Tuesday by the Georgia State Patrol on charges of DUI, hit-and-run, and failure to stop at a stop sign.
Reportedly, troopers were on the lookout for Yager’s vehicle, displaying his state-issued legislative plates, as they matched those plates to a hit-and-run on Jekyll Island, a beach resort town and popular tourist destination.
Officers spotted Yager’s Ford Edge in the parking lot of Jekyll Market where Yager was already being treated by emergency medical services as he had tripped and fallen, according to police.
Georgia Department of Public Safety officials relayed that, “Troopers detected a distinct odor of alcohol on his breath, and he admitted to being involved in a crash earlier but did not know law enforcement was en route.”
He submitted to a breathalyzer test, but refused a blood test, and video of Yager’s field sobriety test shows him swaying, stumbling, and unable to walk in a straight heel-to-toe line as directed by officers.
According to Glynn County Detention Center records, Yager, 77, posted bond at $2,117.70 and was released early Wednesday morning. Currently, no information regarding a potential court date for the three charges is available and the investigation is ongoing.
Yager issued this statement Wednesday regarding his arrest, “An unfortunate incident happened last night. On the advice of my attorney, I cannot discuss the particulars at this time. I am and will continue to cooperate fully with authorities to bring this incident to an appropriate conclusion.”
A spokesman for the Tennessee Senate Republican Caucus has not yet issued a statement or responded to media requests for comment. Per Senate rules, should Yager be indicted, he must resign from his leadership position within the caucus or appeal to the Ethics Committee within 10 days of his indictment for a hearing as to whether he may retain his chairman position through the course of the indictment.
Though this incident is the first arrest for the Senator, it is certainly not the first time his judgement and commitment to conservative principles have been called into question.
Financial records show Yager uses his campaign account to make lease payments on a Ford vehicle, potentially the one involved in this escapade. While not unheard of for lawmakers to pay for a vehicle to use during their campaigns, it is certainly not common practice.
Some of Yager’s other “greatest hits” include abstaining from voting on a bill making Ivermectin available over the counter for those over the age of 18, opposing a bill that sought to ban all abortions in Tennessee (with exceptions for preventing death or harm to the mother), and not seconding a state sovereignty bill in the State and Local Government committee, causing the bill to die.
The Tennessee Legislative Report Card gives Yager a 79 lifetime voting score, an F for Leadership Grade, and shows that 54.31% of his campaign contributions are designated as special interests. It is doubtful this arrest will improve his scores.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
11 Responses
Rules for thee but not for me. He should be removed from the senate. This type of behavior is unacceptable for an elected official. Just like the behavior of our elected Lt. Gov, McNally. These men were elected to represent the people of Tennessee. They are held to a higher standard than everyday citizens. Acts like these are despicable and shameful. But the good ole boy club will say to him just like they probably said to the Lt. Gov. be more discreet the next time. But this probably isn’t the first time he was driving under the influence. He just got caught this time.
In God we trust Not government or man.
Have a blessed day.
PEOPLE in government are not SAINTS but people who make our laws should not be breaking them.
Great article Olivia, thanks! THIS is another sad story about political leadership. Most men of integrity and honesty would voluntarily resign (I hope that I would do so, if in a similar position), but Yeager, like many politicians will not be ‘shamed’ in to resigning from any of his political positions, it’ll take much more than that! How very, utterly sad! Alcohol makes IDIOTS out of so many people! Mistakes happen but there are always consequences. I hope that he is not able to pull a Tre Hargett or a Randy McNally and just get off with a ‘hand slap’ (how embarrassing for our state), when so many of Tennesseeans have been nailed hard on these same mistakes. Just do us all a favor and resign, retire, and then go to an AA meeting and stop drinking!
Wow! What a stellar example representing Tennessee. Just another old fart being propped up by the good ole boy network. He should have his arse thrown in prison and be summarily removed from Congress. Why in the world do we keep voting for reprobates like this?
He keeps getting reelected by the uninformed public.
The media does this by not informing them.
He should be removed from office. Period. He is not fit to serve.
EVERY State Legislature RINO should be primaried and defeated . We worked too hard getting a Trump/MAGA mandate in place, to have the Uniparty and RINOs ruin it for us. This is exactly how Red states turn into liberal cesspools.
I expect nothing less than his return to a Rob Briley-esque standing ovation from the TNGOP.
What Ford dealership does he use to lease his campaign financed car? If it’s Jerry Duncan Ford in Harriman, Duncan is a campaign donor to the tune of $2,000.
Thanx, Olivia. He needed gone long ago. Depends lost the battle.
I have already contacted senator Yeager and representative Monty and expressed my disgust with senator Yeager’s behavior. Is there anyone else in Congress that I can contact to request that he be removed from office. If not can you give me any suggestions on how to begin a petition to have him recalled?