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SALT LAKE CITY -- A top state lawmaker says he's wrapped up an investigation into the events which lead up to the DUI arrest -- and subsequent resignation from the Legislature -- of former Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack.
Senate President Michael Waddoups says he's talked with those involved and doesn't plan to release details of those conversations.
Earlier in the evening the night of the arrest, Killpack had attended a fundraiser for another lawmaker and then reportedly went to a club with a group that included several lobbyists.
After speaking with those involved in the incident, Waddoups said, "There certainly [were] some bad decisions made, and we're all aware of those. But it appears to me that law enforcement now has a clear case on where they're headed, and we'll leave it up to them, but I don't believe there are any other laws we're going to look at at this point."
Waddoups says those who were with Killpack apparently didn't realize he may have been impaired.
"They did know that he had a drink," he said. "They did not know he was intoxicated and impaired."
Waddoups says he believes the case has sent a powerful message on Capitol Hill. "I think by you publicizing it and by us having asked the questions, the message is already out there that they need to be circumspect in what they're doing," he said.
With regard to lobbyists, Waddoups had this to say: "I think different lobbyists would take that differently. I think different legislators would take it that they shouldn't drink and drive."
The Senate president also says the case has been a distraction from a busy and challenging legislative agenda.
Killpack has not yet been formally charged in the Jan. 15 incident.
E-mail: jdaley@ksl.com
