Alberta MLA Mike Allen charged in U.S. prostitution case
Allen was one of 13 people arrested in prostitution sting Monday
Mike Allen, MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, has been formally charged following his arrest in a prostitution sting in St. Paul, Minn.
Allen was one of 13 people arrested during the sting Monday. He was in the state attending a conference as a representative of the Alberta government.
In a complaint signed Friday, the state alleges that Allen responded to an ad that undercover officers had placed on a classified website, offering sexual services.
Allen then allegedly took a limousine to a hotel to meet an undercover officer.
"The defendant then agreed to pay $200 in exchange for sex with two women for one hour while wearing a condom," said St. Paul city attorney Sara Grewing.
"The defendant placed the cash on the counter and began to undress. Then, as is typical, the undercover officer gave a bust signal to the other officers who were monitoring the room electronically and the other officers entered the room and arrested the defendant."
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Waiting to review charges
In a statement released Friday afternoon, Allen responded to the formal charges.
"I am aware via media sources a gross misdemeanor charge has been laid by the State of Minnesota as expected," it reads.
"I am awaiting receipt of the documents so that I may review them with legal counsel and determine a course of action by the end of next week. I will of course comply with all requests made by the State."
Allen then reiterates his apology to friends, family, colleagues and Albertans, before concluding with the statement: "I accept full responsibility for my actions."
- Alberta MLA quits PC caucus after U.S. prostitution arrest
- Alberta premier 'disgusted' by MLA's arrest
Allen has been charged with one count of hiring or agreeing to hire a prostitute in a public place, a gross misdemeanor. The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and $3,000 fine.
The MLA resigned from the PC caucus the day after the arrest, but has remained sitting in legislature as an independent.