New Details Emerge in MS Judge's DUI Arrest Case

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — New information has emerged regarding the arrest of a DeSoto County Justice Court judge for driving under the influence (DUI) and careless driving in Hernando. Karen Sanders was taken into custody after being stopped by a Hernando Police officer on West Valley in Hernando early Saturday night.

According to a police report obtained by WREG, the officer observed a white Escalade pull out of a driveway and come to a complete stop in the road facing north, blocking both lanes of travel. The officers said the driver, later identified as Sanders, attempted to turn right, drove into the grass, and continued traveling on the grass before slowly entering the correct lane of travel.

The officers said they activated their emergency lights at Commerce Street, near Mt. Pleasant Extended, to conduct a traffic stop, and Sanders put the vehicle in reverse instead of park. The officer said Sanders kept the vehicle in reverse until he told her to put the car in park.

After she explained the reason for the stop, Sanders stated that she believed her foot was on the brake when she was pulling out of her driveway, but it was not entirely on the brake, and then she made the turn. Police said Sanders’ speech was slurred, and her eyes were glassy, and she stated that she was on her way to a Christmas party.

The officers said she asked Sanders if they “pre-gamed” at her house. He said she hesitated and said “no.” She said that when he asked Sanders if she had anything to drink today, she slightly shook her head yes but said “no.”

Another Hernando officer arrived at the scene and said they smelled a strong odor of an intoxicating beverage emanating from the driver’s side whenever Sanders spoke. Police said Sanders struggled to walk, even on the level part of the ground, and bumped into the rear of her vehicle with her hip. She later stated she had one drink at noon, and that was it.

The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office said Sanders was released on her own recognizance by a Hernando City judge the night she was taken into custody. The justice court clerk told WREG that Judge Sanders is still employed with the courts, meaning she will still be taking cases.

Sanders is set to appear in the Hernando Municipal Court on April 1, 2026. Sanders has served on the DeSoto County Justice Court since 1999 and is up for re-election in 2027.

“I think she should face the same consequences as any other citizen should serve, and especially I think they should look into how she’s back in the job. That’s, that’s crazy to me,” said Jacob, Hernando resident.

“I think there should be no leniency. If anything, I feel like it should be more punishable for her because like I said, she’s at a higher standard than we are,” said Justin McBride, Hernando resident.