According to police, the newly crowned “Miss University of Arkansas,” was arrested for DWI less than a month before winning the title.
The preliminary report said the 2013 Miss University of Arkansas Sarah Gafvert was pulled over on September 26th around 2 A.M. She was charged with DWI, failure to signal, and having an expired driver’s license. Gafvert has not yet been convicted of these charges. A court date has been set for next week.
Gafvert was crowned this past Sunday which UATV has exclusive footage of. Miss University of Arkansas is considered an ambassador role for the University. The winner represents the University at the Miss Arkansas Pageant.
The report said that Gafvert had blood-shot eyes, slurred speech, and that the car smelled of intoxicants. It also says Gafvert had a Blood Alcohol content of point 13 percent, almost double the legal limit.
On top of the legal charges, Gafvert could face a battle to keep her Miss U of A title. The contract signed by contestants for Miss U of A says that they must not have been charged with multiple minor offenses, or have any criminal charges presently pending.
In addition, the Good Character clause of the contract could come into effect. This includes moral acts that could be perceived as contrary to the morals of the Miss America Pageant.
Online message boards for Arkansas Pageants were set a-blaze with the news. A thread about the results have led to some calling for Gafvert to step down, while others claim she may have violated the contract agreement.
In addition to the tiara and title, Gafvert is set to recieve a four thousand dollar scholarship, and over seven thousand dollars in prizes for winning the pageant.
We will continue to follow this story as it progresses.
Reporter: Caleb Rountree
Video: UATV