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WILKES-BARRE — A Harveys Lake councilman was sentenced to house arrest this week after pleading guilty to driving under the influence.
Thomas Kehler, 64, must serve a minimum of 90 days on house arrest and could face up to a year. Kehler’s location will be monitored electronically.
Luzerne County Judge Hugh F. Mundy also ordered Kehler to pay a fine of $1,500 plus other costs.
Kehler’s license has been suspended for 18 months, and the ignition to his vehicle will be locked for a year.
He must also serve 25 hours of community service within a year of his sentencing, and was ordered to refrain from the use of drugs or alcohol and to stay out of places that serve alcohol. He faces random testing to ensure his sobriety.
Police said Kehler was driving through the borough April 2 when he struck garbage cans and damaged yard decorations at a Spring Street home before speeding away.
Kehler was later found at his girlfriend’s residence.
When he came to the door, he slurred his speech and smelled of alcohol.
When asked to identify himself, Kehler seemed to brag about his position on borough council.
“I’m a Harveys Lake council member,” he reportedly told police. “That’s kinda cool, huh?”
Testing revealed Kehler’s blood-alcohol content was .186 percent, more than two times the .08 driving limit.