Mark Patterson was an Idaho state representative. He ended up resigning after it was revealed that he pleaded guilty to attempted rape in 1974. He did not disclose this in his concealed carry permit application in 2007 and 2012 when he renewed. The Ada County sheriff revoked his permit and said he in ineligible for a permit. He was able to carry until he resigned because Idaho legislators exempted themselves from needing a permit.
He called everything a smear and claimed the woman lied. She claimed he raped her twice, threatening her with telling his Doberman to attack if she did not comply. He got a nice plea deal, pleading to attempted rape and got a withheld judgment and five years probation. He claimed it was supposed to be expunged. Withheld judgment is different from a suspended sentence because you don’t get declared guilty if you meet requirements. True to the Republican playbook, he claimed that this was all a conspiracy because he was such a gun rights advocate. Because they knew that 41 years ago.
- Spokesman-Review: Idaho senator wants Rep. Mark Patterson wants to resign
- Governing: Idaho lawmaker succumbs to pressure to resign
09 Apr 2014
