MLA Mike Allen pleads guilty to misdemeanour charge
MLA Mike Allen has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour charge following his July arrest in a prostitution sting in St. Paul, Minn.
At the time of his arrest, the MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo was in the state attending a conference as a representative of the Alberta government.
Allen was originally charged with soliciting a prostitute – and was later offered a plea deal that reduced the charge to a misdemeanour offence.
In a statement released Wednesday, Allen said his lawyer had settled the case with a guilty plea via petition in advance of his next scheduled court appearance date in January.
Allen said he also paid the imposed $500 penalty and all associated court costs – approximately $500 – as specified by the judge, and that the matter was now resolved.
“I am relieved to have this matter behind me and will make no further comment at this time,” he wrote.
“I accept full responsibility for my behaviour and regret any embarrassment I caused. As a result of my actions, I expect to be held to a higher standard and I can now focus on continuing to work and advocate for issues in my community.”
Allen resigned from the Progressive Conservative caucus the day after the arrest, but has remained in the legislature as an independent.
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You can read Allen's full statement below: