Alderwoman pleads guilty, resigns

ST. CHARLES, Mo. -- A suburban St. Louis alderwoman pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony charges of leaving the scene of an accident, then resigned from the city council.

St. Peters Alderwoman Michelle Stiens, 34, had to give up her position under state law that prohibits felons from holding elected office. Stiens was placed on probation for five years. Her trial was to start Tuesday.

Stiens told police on Jan. 16 that she struck a Volkswagen Jetta the night before. She said she became scared and drove home.

Stiens told officers she had several cocktails earlier in the evening but said she was not drunk at the time of the wreck.

No one was seriously hurt, but the accident caused about $11,000 worth of damage to the Volkswagen.