Ryan Rauschenberger

While drinking on the afternoon of September 3, 2014, Rauschenberger lent his vehicle to his friend Jesse Larson, who was also intoxicated. While driving Rauschenberger's vehicle, Larson rolled the vehicle, damaging its front end. Police cited Larson for driving under the influence and reckless driving and had him taken to an emergency room for minor injuries. After the accident, Rauschenberger explained that he had been undergoing treatment for an alcohol addiction and that he met Larson while the two were undergoing inpatient treatment at a local drug and alcohol treatment center.[4]

Two days after the accident, Rauschenberger announced he was taking a leave of absence from his duties as Tax Commissioner and his reelection campaign to dedicate himself to his alcoholism treatment. His official duties were given to Deputy Tax Commissioner Joe Morrissette, and his reelection campaign continued without the candidate until his return.[5] Rauschenberger was reelected that November.

On September 30, 2017, a little more than three years after the previous incident, Rauschenberger was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of intoxicating liquors. According to police, Rauschenberger's blood alcohol content was .206, more than two and a half times North Dakota's legal limit.[6]

Around 11:30 a.m on November 15, 2021, police once again brought Rauschenberger to jail, this time for detoxification, rather than a crime. Rauschenberger had tried to check into a Bismarck hotel room late that morning, but when told it was not ready, shut himself into a different room that was being cleaned. Police determined he was "intoxicated beyond the point of being able to take care of himself" and since Rauschenberger was unable or unwilling to contact someone sober to take him, he was taken to jail. No charges were filed, and he was released later that day.[7] The following day, Rauschenberger announced his resignation from office.[3]