Mayoral candidate faces domestic assault charges

Police arrested a Lebanon mayoral candidate early Sunday morning on a simple assault charge.

Officers charged David Kievernagel, 28, of 1039 Hartmann Plantation Court, at about 2 a.m. after responding to a domestic disturbance call at the home.

According to witness statements, Kievernagel and his wife were arguing prior to the couple arriving home from an evening out with friends. Upon returning home, Kievernagel allegedly began looking for his handgun.

“There was no injury reported,” said police Chief Scott Bowen. “He was attempting to keep her from leaving, and [the witnesses] even witnessed him on top of her and holding her down.”

According to police, Kievernagel was “highly intoxicated” on alcohol and pain medication.

Police took the gun into custody as a precautionary measure, according to Bowen.

“It was a complete misunderstanding,” Kievernagel told The Democrat on Monday in response to the charges. “There was no domestic violence whatsoever. My wife stands behind me 100 percent.”

According to reports, police responded late Saturday to a separate domestic disturbance involving Kievernagel and his wife at a different location.

Kievernagel is the second local candidate arrested within the last month. Lebanon City Council candidate Richard Rogers, 42, was arrested recently on outstanding warrants issued nine years ago in Georgia.

Rogers is awaiting extradition to Georgia to face charges that include possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, driving under the influence of drugs, reckless driving and failure to stop at the scene of an accident.

Rogers’ name will remain on the ballot, as the deadline to withdraw was Aug. 23. Rogers reportedly asked to not be considered for the council seat, but a felony conviction prior to the Nov. 6 election would disqualify him.

Kievernagel’s name will also remain on the ballot. Even if he is convicted, only a felony conviction would disqualify him.

“I just want to apologize to the people in Lebanon for having to read this in the paper… I’m not sure how this is going to impact the campaign,” said Kievernagel. “My wife and I are normal people, and sometimes these things happen.”

Kievernagel was released on his own recognizance, and he is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. to face a single charge of domestic assault, a class A misdemeanor.

Staff writer Sara McManamy-Johnson may be reached at 444-3952, ext. 16 or sjohnson@lebanondemocrat.com.