Prison Sentence Likely in Rochester DWI Case
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A woman accused of fleeing from Rochester police last summer has admitted to a felony DWI charge through a plea agreement that calls for a prison sentence.
Plea Agreement
Fifty-one-year-old Hope Elaine Kennsingten entered a guilty plea to the charge today in Olmsted County Court. In exchange, the Olmsted County Attorney's Office dismissed another felony DWI charge, a felony count of fleeing police, and several misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor traffic offenses.
Wanted on Arrest Warrant
According to the criminal complaint, the Cannon Falls woman was wanted on an active arrest warrant when she was pulled over by a Rochester police officer last June. The court document says the officer was also aware that Kennsingten had a canceled driver’s license. Court records indicate she had a prior DWI conviction and had been charged in a separate DWI case involving a crash in Goodhue County.
READ MORE: Wanted Cannon Falls Woman Captured After Fleeing Rochester Police
Fled From Rochester Police
The officer who stopped Kennsingten reported that she sped away after he ordered her out of the vehicle. The officer did not pursue her but broadcast a description of her vehicle, which was later involved in another incident at the Econo Lodge hotel in the 1800 block of South Broadway.
Signs of Impairment
The criminal complaint says officers responded to a report of a vehicle striking the curb before the driver fled on foot into the backyard of a nearby home. The court document says an officer eventually apprehended Kennsingten , who was displaying signs of impairment.
Prison Sentence Recommended
She is scheduled to be sentenced in June. The plea agreement recommends a 57-month prison sentence.
Kennsingten is currently serving a 64-month prison sentence for felony DWI convictions in Dakota and Washington counties, along with a felony harassment conviction in Olmsted County.
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