Hennepin County Sheriff will reportedly not resign after DWI conviction

Hennepin County, Minnesota Sheriff Dave Hutchinson has announced he will not resign after being convicted in a DWI case earlier in December.

Hutchinson told WCCO’s Jennifer Mayerle this week in spite of his DWI conviction, he has no plans to resign from his position, and plans to run for re-election.

On December 8, Hutchinson rolled a county-owned 2021 Ford Explorer while driving intoxicated from a Minnesota Sheriffs Association conference. As a result of the crash, Hutchinson was taken to an area hospital with broken ribs and a head injury. Hutchinson’s blood alcohol level at the time of the incident was 0.13, over the legal limit. 

After pleading guilty to fourth degree DWI, Hutchinson entered treatment for chemical dependency and has quit drinking alcohol. He must also submit to random drug and alcohol testing, must stay clear of any driving or drinking-related violations, and must serve a 90-day stayed jail sentence.

When Mayerle asked Hutchinson if he should resign, he responded, “I don’t think so. The last three years we’ve done a lot of good stuff.” Hutchinson believes the past three years of his leadership have proven his ability to continue leading the department.

He added, “The last three years have proven that. We’ve been through a lot. The unrest, the killing of George Floyd. Our agency, my agency, myself have proven ourselves.” Hutchinson added, “Everybody needs to be accountable. I’m accountable for my actions.”