Rep. Buesgens stopped in possible violation of probation

Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan) was stopped by a Scott County sheriff’s deputy on Wednesday night and blew a 0.008 on a breathalyzer test. Buesgens is on probation for a DWI conviction last summer that occurred on the same day he was representing the campaign of gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. According to the Shakopee Valley News, Buesgens allegedly violated his probation by drinking and driving.

“He was way below the legal limit,” Buesgens attorney Ron Rosenbaum told the Valley News. “He accepts responsibility for having a drink.”

House Speaker Kurt Zellers released this statement on Thursday evening:

“I have not yet spoken with Representative Mark Buesgens. Representative Buesgens has taken responsibility for his actions in response to violating his probation. These allegations are serious, and we expect Representative Buesgens to continue to take responsibility for his actions. We will support and pray for him in his recovery effort, and have requested that he seek additional professional evaluation and follow all recommended action.”

Buesgens said in November when he was sentenced in the DWI case that he would he seeking help for his drinking, as Bluestem Prairie notes.

Wright County Assistant Attorney Shane Simonds said, “Mr. Buesgens has been very proactive since he obtained his charge and has taken steps to address his problems with alcohol.”