Former Ankeny Legislator Lamberti Pleads Guilty to Drunken Driving

Former Republican Senate Leader Jeff Lamberti of Ankeny pleaded guilty Thursday to driving drunk along Interstate 235, according to the Des Moines Register.

Lamberti, 49, who immediately after his arrest said he made a mistake, received a suspended sentence of one year in jail and was ordered to complete a two-day program for drunken drivers, the newspaper said. He also must pay a $1,250 fine and successfully complete one year’s probation.

An open container violation and a charge of texting while driving were dropped as part of the plea deal, the Register said.

A Des Moines police report said Lamberti was seen by officers driving along I-235 the evening of May 18, swerving onto the shoulder and weaving across lanes, according to a police report.

Lamberti unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell in 2006 for his Congressional seat. Lamberti is president of the Iowa Barnstormers.