Delaware House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown replaced a legislator on a key committee who was recently sentenced on a drunken driving charge.
“Earlier this year, we learned that Rep. Kevin Hensley, was involved in a collision while driving under the influence. As Speaker, I believed it was important to allow the legal process to unfold fully in the courts before weighing in or taking any action. As public servants, we are held to a high standard—and rightfully so. Delawareans place their trust in us to make decisions with sound judgment and integrity," Minor-Brown stated. “Last week, the Delaware Department of Justice announced that Rep. Hensley pled guilty to Vehicular Assault 3rd Degree and Driving Under the Influence for his involvement in the incident. In light of these developments, I have made the decision to remove Rep. Hensley from the Joint Finance Committee, effective immediately. This step is necessary to preserve the public’s confidence in the work of the General Assembly and in the decisions we make on their behalf."
Rep. Charles Postles, R-Milford, will be appointed to fill the vacancy left by Rep. Hensley on the Joint Finance Committee. The bi-partisan committee hammers out state budgets for consideration by both houses.
Hensley was involved in a traffic accident that resulted in minor injuries to another driver. He tested well above the statutory blood-alcohol content. The victim later died of unrelated causes.
“At the same time, I want to recognize that addiction and substance misuse are complex and deeply personal challenges. Our compassion for those confronting addiction does not negate the need for consequences related to poor decision making and taking accountability for one’s actions, but also reminds us of the importance of treatment, rehabilitation, and the possibility of change," the House speaker stated. “I wish Rep. Hensley well on his recovery journey, and I hope he continues to seek the support and resources necessary for his health and well-being.”
Hensley, R-Middletown, avoided prison time under a plea agreement, but temporarily lost his drivers license..
Hensley's case was never publicly disclosed by Delaware State Police until a media inquiry was made, since it is a misdemeanor.under Delaware law. Troopers saw no reason to deviate from established policy.
The state Attorney General's office defended the sentence, noting that it was in keeping with sentences of individuals in similar cases.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.