Felony Charge For Kansas GOP Leader After DUI Arrest

March 27, 2021 Republicans, Scandal

One of the Kansas Legislature’s most powerful lawmakers was charged Friday with driving under the influence and a felony offense for trying to elude law enforcement while speeding the wrong way on highways in Topeka. Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop faces five criminal charges, including the felony count, the misdemeanor DUI count and a misdemeanor count of reckless driving.

The Wichita Republican turned himself in at the local jail Friday evening, and his bond has been set at $5,000. The charge of attempting to flee law enforcement is a felony that can be punished by between five and seven months in prison for a first-time offender, though the presumed sentence is a year’s probation. The DUI charge is punished by at least 48 hours in jail or 100 hours of public service.

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One of the Kansas Legislature’s most powerful lawmakers faces drunk driving charges as well as a felony offense for trying to elude law enforcement while speeding the wrong way on highways in Topeka. https://t.co/TAGZxojipq

— The Associated Press (@AP) March 27, 2021

#BREAKING: Kansas Senator Gene Suellentrop has bonded out of jail.

He had no ride upon leaving the jail.

I asked him dozens of questions, he never once acknowledged me or said anything.

He appears to be walking back to the Kansas Statehouse now. pic.twitter.com/ObRNwOfx4N

— Brooke Lennington (@BrookeKSNT) March 26, 2021

The complaint filed against Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop says he traveled 90 mph in wrong direction on Interstate 70 while drunk, and evaded police. He faces a felony and two misdemeanor charges. #ksleg via @sherman_news https://t.co/32qcjE5YR2

— Kansas Reflector (@KansasReflector) March 27, 2021

If these allegations are true, there must be consequences for this dangerous behavior. Kansas Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop charged with drunk driving and felony fleeing from police while traveling 90 mph in the wrong direction on Interstate 70. https://t.co/L1bl1e43ZS

— MADD (@MADDOnline) March 27, 2021