On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the Des Moines Register reported that Adria Kester, former chief judge of Iowa’s second judicial district, pleaded guilty to operating while intoxicated (OWI) and was sentenced to three days in jail. The guilty plea, entered on Tuesday, December 2, stems from an incident on November 4 when Kester was found slumped over the steering wheel of her truck on Highway 30 near Boone.
Witnesses reported Kester’s vehicle drifting into a median, prompting a bystander to climb into the truck and put it in park. Upon arrival, Boone County sheriff’s deputies discovered a cup smelling of alcohol in the vehicle. Deputies noted that Kester exhibited signs of intoxication and refused to undergo field sobriety tests.
To avoid potential conflicts of interest, the case was prosecuted by the Polk County Attorney’s Office and overseen by a judge from outside the Fort Dodge-based north central Iowa district. Judge Gregory Brandt accepted Kester’s plea and imposed the sentence, which includes credit for one day already served. In addition to the jail time, Kester must complete an OWI education program, serve one year of probation, and pay a $1,250 fine.
Following her arrest, Kester resigned from her position as chief judge but remains a district judge. Chief Justice Susan Christensen initially appointed Judge Gregg Rosenbladt as interim chief judge through the end of the year. Subsequently, Christensen announced the appointment of Judge Amy Moore as the new chief judge, effective January 1.
The chief judge is responsible for management and administrative duties within the district. The second district encompasses 22 counties in northern and central Iowa, overseeing 17 district judges, 12 associate judges, and approximately 250 judicial branch employees.
Source: Des Moines Register
