St. Cloud Lawmaker Reaches Plea Agreement On DWI Charges

(KNSI) – A St. Cloud area lawmaker is scheduled to be in court Tuesday to plead guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Representative Dan Wolgamott was pulled over on July 7th on suspicion of DWI after someone called 911 and complained a man was seen taking a drink of alcohol from a bottle in the trunk of his car at a liquor store in Mora and driving away. His blood alcohol level registered at .099.

The 32-year-old was charged on August 7th with two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree DWI and DWI-operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

According to an agreement filed in Kanabec County District Court, Wolgamott will plead guilty to the second DWI charge and count one will be dismissed. Wolgamott is asking the judge to sentence him to 45 days in jail stayed for two years, meaning he won’t spend the time behind bars unless he violates the terms of his probation. He must also pay a $400 fine.

Part of the deal includes a chemical health assessment, which he’s done, an eight-hour class, and taking part in a Mothers Against Drunk Driving panel, which he’s completed.

Wolgamott told KNSI News on Thursday, “I take full responsibility and accept the consequences of my actions. I am grateful to all of my family, friends, colleagues, and constituents who have shared their support. I will ensure that my actions live up to the trust you have placed in me as your State Representative.”

Wolgamott is part of the DFL Party’s House leadership. He was selected as speaker pro tempore for the last legislative session.

___