Carlton Co. Attorney Thom Pertler Pleads Guilty
Posted at: 09/11/2012 10:51 AM
| Updated at: 09/11/2012 9:27 PM
By: Paige Calhoun
Carlton County Attorney Thom Pertler pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to third degree driving while impaired, refusal to submit a chemical test, which is a gross misdemeanor.
Judge Heather Sweetland sentenced Pertler to two years supervised probation with a fine of $2,000. Judge Sweetland also ordered Pertler to verify his treatment at Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center, refrain from using alcohol and other drugs including synthetics, submit to random urine and breath tests, and attend a victim impact panel.
Six other charges against Pertler were dismissed, including: fourth degree driving while impaired, speeding, failure to drive in a single lane, fail to signal for a turn, possession of an open bottle, and no proof of insurance.
As Pertler entered his plea in the courtroom, he said finding himself on the other side of the table has been a learning experience. He also apologized to everyone including his constituents.
Pertler was arrested in late July for driving drunk on Highway 61 in Duluth. Pertler checked into Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Center City near the end of July, and spent about a month there. He returned to work at the Carlton County Attorney's Office on Aug. 20.
Prior to his DWI arrest, Pertler resigned from his teaching position at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College after showing up to teach a class intoxicated in February.
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