Former Utah Rep. Brent Parker pleaded guilty to a class B misdemeanor charge of soliciting sex Tuesday and must take part in a 10-week counseling program established by Salt Lake City.
Parker admitted to the crime as part of a "plea in abeyance" worked out with Salt Lake City prosecutors. Such a plea means it will not show as a conviction on Parker's record as long as he complies with requirements imposed by Salt Lake City Justice Court Judge John Baxter.
The judge ordered Parker to participate in and complete the city's "johns" program, which is intended to help men who have been arrested for solicitation rethink their conduct. Parker also must not violate any other laws for 12 months.
Baxter also required $350 in court costs, which the judge will then allow to be used to cover the cost of the program. Baxter said he often does this because when he sees a receipt brought in by a defendant, it shows the individual has enrolled in the program.
Under the plea arrangement, Parker may petition the court for early dismissal of the charge.
Had Parker gone to trial and been convicted, he faced a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a fine of $1,850.
Parker was arrested on Feb. 26 for allegedly soliciting sex from an undercover police officer who was posing as a male prostitute in an area near Cactus Street (41 East) and Exchange Place (355 South), which police say is an area known for male prostitution. Parker allegedly offered to pay $20 for a sex act, according to a police report.
Parker, a Republican lawmaker from Wellsville, resigned from the Utah Legislature three days later, which was shortly before the end of the 2003 legislative session.
Cache County Republicans quickly chose R. Curt Webb to take Parker's seat.
After Tuesday's court date, Parker spoke briefly to the media. "I just want to apologize to everybody," he said. "I'd like to apologize to my family, church, community and constituents."
Parker's wife, Sharon, accompanied him to court and they walked out arm-in-arm. "My husband is a very good man who made a mistake, and he's doing everything he can to make it right," she said.
Paul Grant, Parker's attorney, said that his client did not ask for any special treatment and intends to live up to requirements imposed by the judge.
E-mail: lindat@desnews.com