Delaware State Rep. Kevin Hensley charged with DUI, vehicular assault in Kent County crash
KENT COUNTY, Del. – A Delaware State Representative has been charged with driving under the influence and vehicular assault following a crash in Kent County back in November.
Republican State Rep. Kevin Hensley, who represents the 9th district covering Odessa and Townsend, has been charged with 2nd Degree Vehicular Assault, Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol, along with traffic charges stemming from an incident that occurred Saturday, November 9, 2024.
According to court documents, Delaware State Police responded to reports of a crash in the area of Route 1 southbound and Cicada Lane in Kent County. When troopers arrived they made contact with Hensley who they say appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Police also made contact with the other driver who they say was injured and had multiple lacerations to his hands and face.
Court documents state Hensley told police he pulled out of a gas station when he was struck by the other car, which reportedly rolled over multiple times.
A field sobriety test was administered where court documents show Hensley blew close to double the legal limit, .142%.
We reached out to the Delaware Attorney General’s Office for comment. Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following statement, saying Rep. Hensley will be treated like any other defendant in Delaware.
“No matter who’s behind the wheel, drunk driving endangers everyone,” Attorney General Jennings stated. “These moments can easily become deadly, and we are extremely fortunate that the injuries in this collision did not become more serious. We prosecute based on the law and the evidence of every case. Mr. Hensley faces multiple misdemeanor charges and will be treated as any other defendant, regardless of his title or position.”
WMDT News also reached out to House leadership, specifically requesting a statement from Speaker of the House Melissa Minor-Brown, and was told they have no comment.
Delaware State Police did not issue a press release following the incident back in November. We reached out to Delaware State Police who explained how this is part of their policy, and that they do not issue formal press releases for misdemeanor offenses.
“DSP issues news releases in alignment with our established policy,” Lt. India Sturgis with Delaware State Police explained. “As this incident involved a misdemeanor offense, it did not meet the threshold required for a formal news release under our guidelines. However, as with all misdemeanor and crash-related inquiries, we are committed to providing accurate information when asked.”
We reached out to Rep. Hensley and his attorney who said he’s still reviewing the case and will comment at a later date.
