The chief of police of Lake Park pleaded guilty Thursday in Clay County District Court to fourth-degree DWI.
Timothy V. Hoag, 46, admitted he was driving with a blood-alcohol level greater than .08 percent when he was stopped by the Minnesota State Patrol on Oct. 4 near Glyndon.
"I'm guilty, and I apologize," Hoag told Judge Steven Cahill. Hoag also told the judge it would not happen again.
As part of a plea agreement, Hoag was given 30 days in jail, which were stayed, and he was fined $500.
Hoag will also have to pay $82 in fees and the $125 cost of a chemical dependency assessment.
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Hoag said after his court appearance that he doesn't know how the conviction will affect his status as chief.
Lake Park City Attorney Charles Ramstad said that for any city employee a criminal conviction is grounds for disciplinary action that could include termination.
Ramstad said there are currently no disciplinary proceedings pending against Hoag, but he added, "there could be."
Ramstad said a disciplinary action could be started by the City Council or by citizen complaint.
Hoag was on unpaid leave from mid-October until early January.
Hoag still has to complete the chemical assessment, prosecutor Gregg Jensen said. -- The Forum
