Yvette Townsend-Ingram Pleads Guilty to DWI Charge in Gaston County
Yvette Townsend-Ingram, a Mecklenburg County commissioner, pled guilty to driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Gaston County on October 25, nearly six months after her arrest.
According to court records, Townsend-Ingram was arrested on May 1, just before midnight, after being pulled over on Catawba Street in Belmont. Authorities reported that she displayed signs of intoxication, including a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, unsteady movement, and slurred speech. A breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.20, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. Documents also noted she was argumentative during the stop.
As part of her guilty plea, Townsend-Ingram was sentenced to 18 months of supervised probation. She was also ordered to pay $413 in fines and court costs, complete 24 hours of community service, and turn in her driver’s license. Additionally, she is prohibited from consuming or possessing alcohol or drugs.
Townsend-Ingram, who secured a spot on the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners in the 2023 Democratic primary, has not yet commented on the case. The commissioners’ office has not provided further details as of Monday morning.