Andrew Steven Draeger, 35, former mayor of Mapleton, North Dakota, was sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony criminal vehicular operation related to a crash at the Detroit Mountain Recreation Area in February 2024. Draeger was driving a pickup truck that crashed into trees after speeding around a curve. A woman in the vehicle, later identified as his girlfriend, was severely injured, suffering a fractured neck and back. Draeger’s blood alcohol content was measured at 0.14%, above the legal limit.
Draeger was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with 17 more to serve and the remainder on electronic home monitoring. He was fined $1,000, plus court fees, and placed on probation for four years. The sentence was influenced by a statement from the victim, who asked for leniency, noting Draeger’s support during her recovery.
Draeger expressed regret, saying he had quit drinking and was committed to turning his life around.