Senator Filmed Urinating On Himself During DUI Arrest (Video)

Tennessee State Senator Ken Yager, a leading figure in the state’s Republican Party, is facing serious legal trouble after being arrested Tuesday evening in Georgia.

Yager, who represents Kingston and serves as the chair of the Senate Republican Caucus, was charged with driving under the influence, a hit-and-run, and failure to stop at a stop sign while vacationing on Jekyll Island.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, officers were alerted around 5:00 p.m. to look out for a Ford Edge with Tennessee plates. The vehicle had allegedly fled the scene of a collision on Jekyll Island. At approximately 5:35 p.m., state troopers located a matching SUV in the parking lot of Jekyll Market, a local gourmet grocery store.

“Distinct Odor of Alcohol”

When officers approached Yager, they found him being evaluated by emergency medical services after reportedly tripping and falling. According to the incident report from the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Yager emitted “a distinct odor of alcohol” and admitted to drinking “a couple of glasses of wine” earlier that day.

Yager also acknowledged being involved in the crash but claimed he believed the situation had been resolved after speaking with the other driver. “I didn’t realize the police were on their way,” Yager reportedly told officers.

During the stop, Yager failed multiple field sobriety tests, which were cut short due to safety concerns when he struggled to balance on one leg. Notably, the report also stated that Yager urinated on himself during the encounter.

A breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.14—nearly double the legal limit of 0.08 in Georgia. Despite this, Yager declined to submit to a blood test.

Charges and Bond

Yager was taken into custody and booked into the Glynn County Jail, where he faced three charges:

• Hit and run: Duty of driver to stop or return to the scene of an accident
• Failure to stop at a stop sign
• DUI – less safe driver

His bond was set at $1,500 for the hit-and-run charge, $467.70 for failing to stop, and $150 for the DUI offense. He was released around 2:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Under Georgia law, a driver can be charged with “DUI less safe” even if their BAC is below the legal limit if they are deemed too impaired to safely operate a vehicle.

Campaign Funds and Controversy

Yager’s vehicle—a Ford Edge—is reportedly leased using campaign funds. Since November 2022, he has spent over $22,000 on vehicle-related expenses, including lease payments, insurance, and maintenance, according to financial disclosures. The bulk of those payments went to Jerry Duncan Ford in Harriman, Tennessee.

Although it’s legal for lawmakers to use campaign funds for transportation, the practice is relatively rare. Yager’s spending habits may now come under further scrutiny as the legal proceedings unfold.

Political Fallout

If Yager is indicted, Senate ethics rules require him to step down as caucus chair or appeal the decision within 10 days to the Ethics Committee. This potential shake-up could have significant implications for Tennessee’s Republican leadership.

Yager has represented his district—covering Campbell, Clay, Fentress, Macon, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Roane, and Scott counties—since 2006. Before his time in the Senate, he served as Roane County attorney and later as county executive for over two decades.

In a brief statement issued by his office, Yager expressed regret but offered few details. “An unfortunate incident happened last night,” he said. “On the advice of my attorney, I cannot discuss the particulars at this time. I am and will continue to cooperate fully with authorities to bring this incident to an appropriate conclusion.”

The Tennessee Senate Republican Caucus has not yet issued a formal response to the arrest.

Reputation on the Line

Yager, a seasoned politician with a reputation for steady leadership, now finds his career at a crossroads. Political analysts speculate that his arrest could weaken his influence within the GOP and spark calls for stricter oversight on the use of campaign funds.

The coming days will likely determine whether Yager can weather this political storm—or if his decades-long career in public service will end in disgrace.

Watch the footage below:

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