Morgan Mary Romines-Poetz of Hermann was charged March 23 with four misdemeanors and one infraction following a single-vehicle crash in June 2025. According to the responding officer, the scene involved an overturned Dodge with the driver ejected, a strong odor of alcohol, and empty Busch Light cans and Wild Turkey American Honey shooter bottles scattered across the roadway.

According to a report filed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), which was dispatched by Troop C to assist Troop F with a motor vehicle crash on June 13, 2025, the Dodge Ram driven by Romines-Poetz veered into the wrong lane and off the edge of the roadway. A steering overcorrection then reportedly caused the vehicle to leave the roadway again, strike trees and then overturn before finally coming to rest back on the roadway.

MSHP reported a strong odor of intoxicants coming from the vehicle’s passenger compartment, as well as from the unconscious driver’s body when they arrived at the hospital after being transported by Hermann Area EMS.

Romines-Poetz has been charged with the class A misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner involving an accident, the class B misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, the class D misdemeanors of driving while revoked or suspended, first offense, and owner operating a vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility, first offense, and the infraction of driver fail to wear properly adjusted or fastened safety belt.

An initial appearance in front of Judge Ada Brehe-Krueger is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, at 9 a.m. in Gasconade County Division IV Court.