King County Councilman Reagan Dunn pleads guilty to DUI, apologizes 'to anyone who has placed their trust in me'

SEATTLE -- King County Councilman Reagan Dunn on Wednesday pleaded guilty to a DUI crash in Kittitas County and issued an apology on his Facebook page.

Dunn, 43, first revealed his plea during an interview with The Seattle Times Wednesday and said he first sought treatment for an alcohol abuse problem in 2011.

According to the Times, Dunn, in pleading guilty, was sentenced to one day in jail, which he said he plans to serve next week in Kittitas County. He also was ordered to pay a fine of $940.50, $2,400 in probation costs and other fees.

Dunn is also subject to loss of his driver’s license for one year for refusing to take the breath test, but he has applied for a provisional license in which he would use an ignition-interlock device he said he has already had installed in his car, the newspaper said.

Dunn then issued the following statement on his Facebook page:

"My parents always taught me to be accountable for my actions, responsible for my behavior, and to tell the truth, regardless of personal consequence.

"I’ve tried to live my life that way, and have always hoped others would do the same. Today, I want to show again I’m willing to live by that standard.

"Three years ago I voluntarily attended, and successfully completed an alcohol recovery program in California to address an issue I had become concerned about in my personal life.

"Last month, while on the Council’s annual recess, I made a serious mistake. I decided to drink in Cle Elum, not far from property I own in Eastern Washington. I then endeavored to drive back the seven miles to my vacation property in rural Kittitas County on a dark and rainy night.

"I temporarily lost control of my vehicle that night and both the car and I ended up in a ditch. My consumption of alcohol that night was clearly a factor. No other vehicles and no other persons were involved in the collision. Shortly after, a neighbor who happened upon the accident gave me a ride home.

"Less than two hours later, police arrived at my property, and I candidly told them what had happened and why.

"Although no one else was involved or hurt, I make no excuses for the decision I made that night. It was wrong.

"That’s why I pled guilty today to Driving Under the Influence in a Kittitas County courtroom, and why I will now do everything I can to make amends for the very poor decision I made that night.

"I want to commend the professionalism of the police and the local prosecutor in this situation. They do their jobs well, and every day we owe them our thanks.

"One day soon, I hope to be able to help others both in and beyond public life who have struggled, or are still struggling, with this challenge. For now, it’s important for me to focus on my family, my job and to take the steps necessary to ensure this never happens again.

"Lastly, I want to deeply apologize to my family, constituents, colleagues and to anyone who has placed their trust in me. I ask for your forgiveness for my actions and I pledge to work tirelessly to regain your confidence in me."