(The Center Square) – Tennessee state Sen. Ken Yager, R-Kingston, said Monday he pleaded no contest to a DUI charge from December that happened in coastal Georgia.
Yager also faced charges of hit and run; duty of a driver to stop at or return to the scene of an accident; and failure to yield. Those charges were dismissed.
The incident happened on Dec. 3 on Jekyll Island.
"Drinking and driving is a very serious matter," Yager said in a statement. "It will never happen again. Throughout both my personal and professional life, I have sought to act with integrity and accountability. On December 3, 2024, I failed to live up to those principles and let my family, friends and constituents down. I sincerely regret my actions and apologize."
Troopers said they were looking for a Ford Edge with Tennessee license plates involved in a hit-and-run incident on Jekyll Island, according to a report provided by the Georgia State Patrol. The vehicle was found at Jekyll Market.
"Upon arrival, emergency medical services (EMS) were already on scene evaluating an individual who had tripped and fallen," the report said. "The individual was identified as Kenneth Yager, the driver of the Ford Edge."
Yager said he has completed 40 hours of community service and DUI school.
"I am also humbled by the kindness, grace and forgiveness I have received from family, constituents, colleagues and friends," Yager said. "I will work every day to continue to be worthy of their trust by remaining committed to serving my constituents and the state of Tennessee to the best of my abilities, as well as focus on how God can best use me to accomplish His will.”
Yager was elected to the Senate in 2006 and is chairman of the Republican caucus.
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