Alberta politician arrested in U.S. prostitution sting plans to serve out term

An Alberta politician arrested in a prostitution sting in Minnesota has decided to not resign his seat.

Mike Allen said in a statement Friday that he spent the past three months talking with people in his constituency of Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo.

"Those I have met have been very honest and direct about their feelings on this issue," Allen wrote. "I acknowledge I have hurt and disappointed many, especially those who elected me.

"I say again to all of you – I apologize."

Allen said people have offered him forgiveness and support and he plans to serve out his term.

"I promise to work tirelessly to regain the trust I have lost through this period."

Allen was arrested in July while on a government trip in St. Paul.

A court document alleges that Allen phoned a number listed on an online ad, agreed to pay $200 for sex with two women and was met by an undercover officer. It's alleged he had just put some cash on a counter and was starting to undress when other police officers entered the room and placed him under arrest.

Allen was charged with gross misdemeanour of solicitation of prostitution, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.

The rookie member of the legislature resigned from Premier Alison Redford's Progressive Conservative caucus immediately after his arrest and now sits as an Independent.

The 51-year-old, who is single with grown adult children, has not discussed specifics of the case. But he did tell the Fort McMurray Today newspaper that he had ended a serious relationship prior to the St. Paul trip and was lonely.

His next court date is set for Nov. 13 in St. Paul.