Carlton County Attorney resigns over drinking incident

CARLTON, Minn. (AP) -- Carlton County Attorney Thom Pertler has resigned as an adjunct instructor at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College after he showed up to class intoxicated.

He tells the Duluth News Tribune he and a friend shared two pitchers of beer before he drove to the class on Minnesota statutes. He says he was embarrassed by his inability to communicate with students.

Pertler says his condition was exacerbated by the pain medication for his injured shoulder.

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College officials said a complaint was made against Pertler but no disciplinary action was taken. School officials said they couldn't comment further on its Feb. 27 resignation, citing state law.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

The 47-year-old has been county attorney since 2005. He started as an adjunct instructor in 2000.

___

Information from: Duluth News Tribune

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)