FORT DODGE – A Fort dodge woman who was caught drunk driving and then assaulted a police officer was found guilty by a jury last week and faces jail time.
On April 15, 2015, a Webster County jury found Kendra Kae Wessels, f/k/a Kendra Kae Steinberg, 48, of Fort Dodge, guilty of Operating While Intoxicated, Second Offense, an aggravated misdemeanor, and Assault on a Peace Officer, a serious misdemeanor. The trial was held in Webster County District Associate Court before the Honorable Angela L. Doyle.
Wessels was accused of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated during the early morning hours of November 29, 2014, in the 10 block of North 12th Street in Fort Dodge. During the investigation of the case, Wessels assaulted Fort Dodge Police Officer Leighton Walker. During the enhancement portion of the trial, Wessels admitted that she was convicted of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated, First Offense, in Crawford County, Iowa, on November 17, 2006.
On the charge of Operating While Intoxicated, Second Offense, Wessels faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison and $6,250 fine. On the charge of Assault on a Peace Officer, Wessels faces a maximum sentence of one year of incarceration and $1,875. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
The case was prosecuted by Webster County Attorney Jennifer A. Benson and Assistant Webster County Attorney Brad M. McIntyre. Wessels was represented by Jason T. Carlstrom. The case was investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department.
