Canadian pol nabbed in MN prostitution sting

A Canadian legislator is admitting a lapse in judgment after his arrest in a prostitution sting while in Minnesota for a government conference.

Michael Trent Allen, a member of Alberta's Legislative Assembly since 2012, was arrested Monday. He was one of 13 men who attempted to solicit sex for pay from two female St. Paul police officers conducting a sting.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Wednesday that Allen spent a night in jail before being released. A decision on gross misdemeanor charges is pending.

Allen had been attending the Council of State Governments' Midwestern Legislative Conference.

Allen has since cut ties with Alberta's Progressive Conservative Caucus and will remain in office as an independent. In a statement, he apologized for making a mistake and said he accepts responsibility.

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Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press