A state representative from the Townsend area has entered into a plea agreement to address charges stemming from a drunk driving collision that occurred in 2024. Kevin Hensley will have his driver's license revoked for a year, serve probation, complete mandatory DUI education, and pay a $500 fine. He pleaded guilty to Vehicular Assault 3rd Degree and Driving Under the Influence. An 18-month prison sentence has been suspended as part of his sentence. The plea agreement was reached following an investigation by the Delaware State Police.
Attorney General Kathy Jennings commented on the case, stating, “Drunk driving is dangerous and unacceptably common. No one has an excuse to get behind the wheel while under the influence; ever. It is a miracle no one was seriously injured or worse. I thank our prosecutors and the Delaware State Police for their excellent work in this case.”
Hensley's sentence aligns with the statutory sentencing guidelines for the charges and is consistent with penalties given to others facing similar charges.
The incident occurred on November 9, 2024, when Hensley, then 59, collided with a gray Ford Fusion while exiting a Valero gas station parking lot on Route 1 in Milford. The collision caused the other vehicle to overturn before coming to rest. Neither Hensley nor his adult daughter, who was also in his vehicle, were injured. The other driver suffered lacerations and complained of chest pain from the airbag impact. Hensley did not pass field sobriety tests and tested at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.142 on a breathalyzer and 0.16 on a blood test.
The driver of the other vehicle later died due to a cerebrovascular event linked to a pre-existing medical condition, a death deemed unrelated to the collision. Hensley has a previous conviction from 2009 for Reckless Driving Alcohol Related. However, state law requires a prior DUI conviction to have occurred within ten years for it to be considered a second offense.