Kansas lobbyist charged with aggravated battery for crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A criminal complaint alleges lobbyist James Gardner had a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit at the time of a February crash that injured his passenger.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the complaint which was filed May 6 charges Gardner with aggravated battery committed while driving under the influence.

It also charges the 48-year-old Gardner with a felony count of interference with a law enforcement officer and a misdemeanor count of transporting liquor in an open container.

Gardner is a board member for Shawnee County’s Mission Township, where he serves as treasurer.