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McHenry Today
By the People, for the People
Woman Sentenced to 7 Years for 4th DUI, Serious Crash
Kathie L. Zaremba, 62, of Marengo, Illinois, received a 7-year prison sentence for her repeated drunk driving offenses.
Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:34am
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A Marengo woman was sentenced to seven years in prison after she was caught driving drunk for the fourth time and then days after seriously injuring herself in a crash - her fifth DUI - before later being arrested again for her sixth DUI. Kathie L. Zaremba, 62, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, a Class 2 felony, in exchange for more serious charges being dismissed.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing issue of repeat drunk driving offenders and the challenges communities face in keeping roads safe. Despite multiple prior convictions, Zaremba continued to drive under the influence, putting herself and others at serious risk. The lengthy prison sentence reflects the gravity of her actions and the need for strong consequences to deter such dangerous behavior.
The details
Zaremba was first stopped by Marengo police in March 2024 for driving under the influence, her fourth such offense. Just three days later, she was involved in a major crash in Crystal Lake where she suffered serious injuries after crossing into oncoming traffic. Her blood alcohol level at the time was 0.10. While on pre-trial release, Zaremba was arrested again in January 2025 for her sixth DUI. She pleaded guilty to the aggravated DUI charge in exchange for more serious charges being dropped.
- On March 15, 2024, Zaremba was stopped by Marengo police for her fourth DUI.
- On March 18, 2024, Zaremba was involved in a serious crash in Crystal Lake, her fifth DUI.
- On January 4, 2025, Zaremba was arrested again for her sixth DUI while on pre-trial release.
- On March 18, 2026, Zaremba was sentenced to 7 years in prison.
The players
Kathie L. Zaremba
A 62-year-old woman from Marengo, Illinois with a history of repeat drunk driving offenses, including four prior DUI convictions and a fifth DUI that resulted in a serious crash.
Randi Freese
The McHenry County State's Attorney who argued that Zaremba poses a significant danger to the community and that the state remains committed to aggressively prosecuting repeat drunk driving offenders.
What they’re saying
“Driving under the influence is a serious and preventable threat to public safety. Ms. Zaremba's repeated decisions to drive while impaired placed countless members of our community at risk.”
— Randi Freese, McHenry County State's Attorney
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Kathie L. Zaremba out on bail pending her appeal.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of repeat drunk driving offenders and the need for strong consequences to deter such dangerous behavior and protect public safety. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing recidivism among chronic drunk drivers.
