Michael Dean, 'Mike Crapo,' plead guilty to DUI charges in a court in Alexandria, Virginia on Friday.
The 62-year-old U.S. Senator representing Idaho told reporters that he was drinking vodka with tonic water and went for a drive to "to try to wind down," adding that he was embarrassed and sorry for his "poor choice."
The senator was arrested two days before Christmas for running a red light. Upon his arrest he failed all sobriety tests and was taken in. He was released from police custody on $1,000 bond.
At the time of arrest, Crapo was found to have a .14 blood alcohol level, nearly double the national limit of .08.
Judge Becky Moore ordered Crapo pay $250 in fines, his 180 prison sentence was suspended. Crapo's license will be suspended for a year, but according to CBS, the politician will be allowed to file for restricted license. Crapo is also required to complete an Alcohol Safety Action Program.
Crapo, who claims to be a practicing Mormon, initially said that he did not drink alcohol as the intake of alcohol is prohibited by the Mormon religious purview. However, after pleading guilty, he admitted that "on occasion had alcoholic drinks in my apartment," as reported by CBS News.
In a public statement, Crapo said, "I sincerely regret the choice I made... I'm grateful, truly grateful, no one was injured," adding "I was not in a position to be driving...And am profoundly sorry for the pain and embarrassment
Crapo served as a member in the U.S.House of Representatives. Then in 1999 he joined the U.S. Senate. He got re-elected in 2010, but says he has no plans for running again in 2016.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
