Delco Mayor Charged With DUI Issues Statement On Incident

UPPER DARBY, PA — The Delaware County municipal mayor who has been charged with DUI and related traffic offenses has issued a statement on the incident.

Upper Darby Mayor Barbarann Keffer, 57, of Drexel Hill, Monday apologized to her community for her "severe error in judgment."

"As Mayor of Upper Darby, I realize that I am held to a higher standard and I am prepared to face the consequences of my actions," Keffer said. "I will be forever grateful that no one was physically harmed in this incident. I apologize to my family, my staff, and my constituents for this severe error in judgment. I realize that this may be hard for some to forgive but I ask that you look at my 9-plus years of public service and not just this one terrible decision."

Keffer was charged with DUI, accidental damage to property or vehicle, careless driving, and failing to keep right.

The charges stem from a Thursday incident in Upper Chichester.

Keffer was stopped by Upper Chichester Police after they noticed her vehicle had a flat tire and damage to the front bumper.

Keffer was also swerving on the road, Action News reports.

The Delaware County Daily Times reports Keffer is accused of striking a stationary object.

She is reported to have refused testing, according to the Times.

Keffer said she will be seeking professional treatment for alcohol addiction in the wake of her charges.

"An estimated 15 million people struggle with an alcohol use disorder in the United States, but less than 10 percent of them receive treatment," she said. "I hope there are others who can learn from my experience and seek the help they need.

Keffer said she "must acknowledge the stress of the constant personal attacks from those who do not share my vision for Upper Darby."

"My treatment plan includes finding healthy ways to handle these stressors so that I can continue to fulfill my promise to reform, reinvest, and revitalize Upper Darby," she said. "I want to thank those who have reached out to express their support and understanding during this difficult time."

Keffer is not stepping down as mayor and said Co-Chief Administrative Officers Alison Dobbins and Rita LaRue will oversee day to day municipal operations.

She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 1, court records show.