Former MLA Mike Allen is shown in this police handout booking photo from Ramsey County Sheriff's Office in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Alberta politician has resigned from the governing Conservative caucus after being arrested by Minnesota police in a prostitution sting.HANDOUT/The Canadian Press
An Alberta politician caught in a Minnesota prostitution sting has pleaded guilty and served notice he won't be quitting the legislature.
Court documents filed in St. Paul, Minn., stated Mike Allen entered the plea Monday to a misdemeanour offence.
The documents show the Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo member of the legislature was fined $500 and must pay an additional $500 in court surcharges and fees.
He must also serve one year probation.
He was originally charged with a more serious gross misdemeanour offence.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Allen stated he considers the matter closed.
"I am relieved to have this matter behind me and will make no further comment at this time," said Allen in the statement.
"I accept full responsibility for my behaviour and regret any embarrassment I caused. As a result of my actions I expect to be held to a higher standard, and I can now focus on continuing to work and advocate for issues in my community."
Allen, a rookie MLA, resigned from Premier Alison Redford's Progressive Conservative caucus after he was charged.
He is currently sitting with the opposition as an independent.
Redford's office declined comment Wednesday.
Allen, 51, was arrested while in Minnesota representing the province.
Police alleged he phoned a number from an erotic online ad, and took a limousine to a motel where he met with an undercover female police officer.
Police reported Allen agreed to pay for sex with two women, put $200 on the counter, and began to undress when other officers entered the room and arrested him.
Allen is single with grown adult children.
He has told the Fort McMurray Today newspaper he ended a serious relationship prior to the St. Paul trip and was lonely.
The Opposition Wildrose Party called for Allen to resign as soon as he was charged, saying he couldn't function as a public representative while facing criminal charges.
The NDP has said Allen should resign if convicted.