Peoria Heights Mayor Faces DUI Charge After Napping in Car

Defense attorney says mayor was responsible by not driving after dinner event.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car key fob reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a DUI incident.A DUI charge against the mayor of Peoria Heights raises questions about police discretion and the responsible use of alcohol.Peoria Today

Peoria Heights Mayor Matt Wigginton was charged with DUI after police found him sleeping in his SUV early Friday morning in downtown Peoria. His defense attorney, Kevin Sullivan, says Wigginton was simply taking a nap after attending a dinner event and had not been excessively drinking, arguing the mayor should not be punished for doing the responsible thing by not driving.

Why it matters

Elected officials facing DUI charges can raise concerns about public trust and leadership, though in this case the mayor's attorney argues he was acting responsibly by not driving after the event.

The details

According to Sullivan, Wigginton attended the Peoria Gridiron Dinner at the Marriott Pere Marquette hotel, which lasted several hours in an uncomfortably warm venue. Feeling unwell, Wigginton decided to take a nap in his parked SUV in a nearby private lot rather than drive. Police found him sleeping in the vehicle and charged him with DUI, which Sullivan says is unwarranted since Wigginton did not endanger anyone.

  • Wigginton was found by police early Friday morning in downtown Peoria.
  • Wigginton's first court appearance is scheduled for Friday, April 24.

The players

Matt Wigginton

The 42-year-old mayor of Peoria Heights, Illinois, who was elected in 2025.

Kevin Sullivan

The defense attorney representing Mayor Wigginton in the DUI case.

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What they’re saying

“It's so unfortunate that police didn't use better discretion.”

— Kevin Sullivan, Defense Attorney

“Wigginton probably had some drinks, but there's no evidence of 'excessive consumption.'”

— Kevin Sullivan, Defense Attorney

What’s next

Wigginton's first court appearance is scheduled for Friday, April 24, where the judge will determine if the DUI charge will be cleared.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities around DUI charges, especially when an elected official takes responsible actions like not driving after consuming alcohol. The defense's argument that Wigginton should not be punished for doing the right thing raises questions about police discretion and the appropriate application of DUI laws.