Sexual battery conviction for Michael A. Gardner A former Northern Virginia Democratic party leader married to a Falls Church council member was found guilty of two counts of sexual battery and one count of object penetration Wednesday. Michael A. Gardner faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. He is to be scheduled later Wednesday in Arlington County Circuit Court. Gardner's wife, Robin S. Gardner, is a current city council member and former city mayor. He previously served as chairman of the Falls Church City Democratic Committee. Gardner was arrested last summer. Falls Church police said after they were contacted by the two females they obtained search warrants for DNA evidence.