Sen. Ken Yager, a Republican from Kingston, entered a guilty plea on August 11, 2025, for a DUI charge stemming from an incident in late 2024 in Georgia.

Yager, 78, who holds the position of Senate Republican Caucus chair, was arrested in December 2024 for multiple offenses following a drunk driving incident on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

About nine months post-arrest, he faced misdemeanor DUI charges in Glynn County. However, the court dismissed charges related to hit and run, the duty to stop after an accident, and failure to yield to other drivers, according to Yager’s statement. He completed 40 hours of community service and, while he didn’t openly admit guilt, he attended DUI school as part of an agreement with the court.

In his statement, Yager expressed remorse and apologized, stating that he let down his family, friends, and constituents. “I will take full responsibility for my actions on December 3rd. Drinking and driving are very serious issues. It will never happen again,” he remarked.

The day he was arrested, Georgia Troopers were reportedly involved in a hit and run incident connected to a vehicle with Tennessee plates. Officers found Yager in a parking lot after reports that he had tripped and fallen. His blood alcohol content was measured at .14%, notably above the legal limit of .08%. There was also an indication that he refused a blood test when apprehended.

Yager mentioned to officers that he had been in a crash but believed everyone was okay. After speaking with other drivers, he chose to leave the scene, unaware that the police were on their way. He admitted to having a few glasses of wine earlier that day.

By pleading to a misdemeanor rather than a felony, he aimed to avoid potential Senate expulsion rules.