Politics

Sen. Michael Crapo arrested on DUI charge in Virginia

David Martosko Executive Editor
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Idaho’s senior U.S. senator found himself in a Virginia jail early Sunday morning after police arrested him for driving under the influence. The Alexandria, Va. Police Department said Sunday evening in a statement that Republican Sen. Michael Crapo failed “several field sobriety tests” after an officer pulled him over for running a red light.

Crapo is a Mormon. The Associated Press has reported that he abstains from alcohol.

His blood-alcohol content was .110, according to police. Virginia’s legal limit is .08.

CBS News was first to report the arrest. The network said Crapo posted a $1,000 bond at about 5:00 a.m. and is expected in court on January 4.

“I am deeply sorry for the actions that resulted in this circumstance,” Crapo said Sunday night in a statement released by his Capitol Hill office.

“I made a mistake for which I apologize to my family, my Idaho constituents and any others who have put their trust in me. I accept total responsibility and will deal with whatever penalty comes my way in this matter. I will also undertake measures to ensure that this circumstance is never repeated.”

In a statement, Alexandria Police spokesperson Jody Donaldson said Crapo “was arrested and taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Adult Detention Center and released on an unsecured $1,000 bond.”

First elected to the Senate in 1999, Crapo is in his third term after spending six years in the House of Representatives.

His DUI isn’t the first high-profile case among Idaho GOP politicians, nor is it the most colorful.

In 2011 the Idaho state legislature’s Republican caucus chairman was arrested on misdemeanor drunk driving and felony grand larceny charges.

State Sen. John McGee was arrested when police caught him trying to back a stolen Ford Excursion — and its cargo trailer — into a neighbor’s yard near Boise.

McGee received a suspended 90-day sentence, but a judge later sent him to jail to serve out his term after he pleaded guilty to charges related to criminal sexual harassment of a female staffer.

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