Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson was sentenced on Monday to 90 days in jail and two years of probation as well as a $610 fine following Hutchinson’s DUI crash in Alexandria. Hutchinson has not resigned from his position despite calls from legislators to do so.
MN Crime reported, “As part of probation, he must complete a chemical assessment, have no alcohol violations, have no driver’s license violations, and must abstain from using alcohol or controlled substances.”
The Minnesota Sun reported Hutchinson said in a statement following the incident, “I made the inexcusable decision to drive after drinking alcohol and I am deeply sorry. As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in Hennepin County, I am held to a higher standard. I regret the choice I made and apologize to the citizens I serve, the staff I work with, and the friends and family who support me.”
Hutchinson pled guilty to a single misdemeanor, with three additional misdemeanors being dismissed.
State Representative John Thompson (D-Hugo) took to Facebook with heavy criticisms for his own party and all others who are failing to hold Hutchinson accountable. Thompson, who has been under fire himself for issues of residency, abuse allegations, and an unpaid ticket, was infuriated with what he believes was a lack of a response to an elected official who “drove drunk, crashed a company car, with a gun on his hip.”
Thompson said in the video, referencing the Minnesota Democrat Farmer Laborer (DFL) Party, “You showed the world who you are… I’m looking at you right now – You’re not holding no press conference for your DFL colleague, your DFL endorsed Hennepin Sheriff.”
Rep. John Thompson recently went to Facebook Live criticizing Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota DFL leaders, and the local media’s double standard in failing to call for @HennepinSheriff Dave Hutchinson’s resignation after he wrecked a squad car while drunk driving. pic.twitter.com/dzB5I8hps8
— Rebecca Brannon (@RebsBrannon) December 21, 2021
The Minnesota Republican Party has also called for Hutchinson to resign.
“Sheriff Hutchinson should step down and focus on his health so residents can have a top law enforcement officer better able to focus on fighting crime,” the party tweeted.
As Hennepin County faces serious challenges with violent crime, residents need a sheriff who is laser-focused on public safety. Sheriff Hutchinson should step down and focus on his health so residents can have a top law enforcement officer better able to focus on fighting crime.
— Republican Party of Minnesota (@mngop) December 17, 2021
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Hayley Feland is a reporter with The Minnesota Sun and The Wisconsin Daily Star | Star News Network. Follow Hayley on Twitter or like her Facebook page. Send news tips to [email protected].
Photo “David Hutchinson” by Hennepin County Sheriff.
