Allen pleads guilty to charge
MLA gets fine, probation
MLA Mike Allen has pleaded guilty to a charge of trying to hire prostitutes in Minnesota.
Allen, the MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, was representing the Alberta government on a taxpayerfunded trip in July when he was one of 13 men arrested in a sting operation conducted by police in St. Paul, Minn.
He has since resigned from government caucus, sitting as an independent, and has repaid the cost of the trip.
Court documents filed in St. Paul say Allen entered the plea Monday to a misdemeanour offence. He was originally charged with one count of prostitution, a more serious gross misdemeanour that carries a maximum punishment of up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $3,000.
In a statement Wednesday, Allen said his lawyer settled the case with a guilty plea via petition prior to his next scheduled court appearance in Minnesota on Jan. 3.
Allen said the judge imposed a penalty of $500 plus court costs, rather than a sentence. Court documents show Allen has to pay an additional $500 in court surcharges and fees. He must also serve one-year probation.
Allen had been in St. Paul on a taxpayer-funded trip to a U.S. lawmakers conference when he was arrested the night of July 15 in a “john sweep” where a female officer posing as a prostitute placed an erotic online ad.
Police alleged Allen phoned a number from the ad and took a limousine to a motel.
He intended to pay two women $200 for sex for one hour.
Allen later described the incident as a “profound lapse” in judgment.
Premier Alison Redford’s office declined to comment Wednesday. Redford had previously used the words “disgusted,” “shocked” and “disappointed” in describing her reaction to Allen’s conduct.
Allen, 51, was elected in April 2012 and previously served two terms as city councillor in Fort McMurray. He is single with grown adult children.
“I am relieved to have this matter behind me and will make no further comment at this time,” Allen wrote in the statement released Wednesday.
“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 my issues in my community.”