Weld Assistant District Attorney suspended without pay for investigation of DWAI

Staff Reports
May 5, 2008

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The Weld Assistant District Attorney has been suspended without pay after being pulled over with a blood alcohol level of 0.07 percent last week.

Michael Rourke, facing a driving while ability impaired charge, was stopped by a Colorado State Patrol trooper on Interstate 25 in Larimer County on May 1 for speeding, according to a press release issued by the Weld District Attorney.

The officer suspected Rourke had been drinking and performed a breathalyzer test that revealed a blood alcohol level of .07 percent, just below the Colorado legal limit of .08 percent for a driving under the influence charge, according to the press release.

Weld DA Ken Buck suspended Rourke for 30 days without pay, which equates to $10,443. When Rourke returns to work he will be relieved of his duties as assistant district attorney pending completion of his case in Larimer County Court, according to the press release.

“I consider several factors in determining the appropriate sanction for behavior that violates the standards of this office including but not limited to contributions to the legal profession and to the Weld County District Attorney’s office, past public conduct and behavior in the office, commitment to Weld County as evidenced by service on boards and commissions, the level of leadership and performance in the office as well as remorse and accountability for the action,” said Buck in the press release.