Lawmakers Cited For Making Out Pay Fines But Dispute Report

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The two Minnesota lawmakers cited for allegedly "making out" in a car at a regional park said they paid their fines Friday and would not file a complaint with the Dakota County Sheriff's Office, but stood by their contention that the park ranger's account was wrong.

State Reps. Tim Kelly and Tara Mack were cited for causing a nuisance, a misdemeanor, on Aug. 25, when a Dakota County ranger said he found the pair in a car making out — and wrote in his notes that Mack's pants were unzipped and pulled down. After the citation was initially reported Wednesday by the Pioneer Press, the Republican lawmakers, who are married to other people, called the officer's account an "absolute lie" and vowed to lodge a complaint with the county.

Dakota County Sheriff Tim Leslie stood by the account of the ranger, a temporary employee with the sheriff's office. On Friday, both lawmakers issued statements saying they wouldn't formally challenge the citation.

"While I disagree with some of the details of the park ranger's notes, I have decided not to file a formal complaint and instead pay the citation," Mack said. "With the loving support of so many, I'm moving on to focus my time and attention on my marriage, my family and those in my community."

Mack and Kelly each paid their $260 fines Friday afternoon, House Republican spokeswoman Susan Closmore said.

The two Republicans are powerful committee chairs in the state House of Representatives, where they've served since 2009. Kelly lives in Red Wing. Mack is from Apple Valley.

When the citation first surfaced, Kelly said he was meeting with Mack in Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan as he passed through town to exchange documents regarding a health insurance company. Kelly said the ranger approached the car about a parking violation, left when Kelly disputed it and returned 10 minutes later with the nuisance citation.

He said Friday the episode has had an impact on his family that he's "not willing to accept."

"It is time to move forward. Although I still do not agree with what was written in the report I have settled this parking/nuisance citation and have paid the fine," he said in a statement.

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