Former Manhattan mayor granted diversion for DUI arrest

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - A court has granted a former Kansas mayor diversion for a drunk driving arrest earlier this year.

On May 8, the Riley County Police Department arrested former Manhattan Mayor Winfried Butler on suspicion of driving under the influence after he crashed into a liquor store. The crash caused more than $1,000 in damage to the business. No one was hurt.

Butler initially entered a plea of not guilty in Manhattan Municipal Court at his first appearance on May 21. On Aug. 6, he entered into a 12-month diversion agreement with the City of Manhattan, according to court documents.

According to Kansas law, diversion is an alternative to institutionalization. To qualify, Butler must have never been previously convicted of DUI, never participated in a diversion agreement for such an offense, and at the time of his arrest, not have been involved in a personal injury accident.

Terms of the agreement include abstaining from alcohol and complying with drug and alcohol testing. Butler must also complete an education program through an authorized Alcohol Drug Safety Action Program, complete 40 hours of community service work and pay court costs.

If Butler successfully completes the diversion program, the court will dismiss the DUI charge against him without prejudice.

Butler resigned as mayor of Manhattan the day following his arrest. Susan Adamchak, who was serving as Mayor Pro Tem at the time, became mayor following his resignation.

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