Biggert challenger downplays '04 arrest
Republican 13th Congressional District candidate Sean O'Kane has acknowledged being arrested for resisting a police officer after a traffic stop in 2004, but characterized it as a "minor incident."
The 41-year-old home builder from Hinsdale is running against U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, a Hinsdale attorney, in the Feb. 5 Republican primary.
Police stopped O'Kane's vehicle Jan. 12, 2004, in Clarendon Hills. He was arrested on drunken driving, not having insurance, driving without a headlight, resisting a police officer and failure to signal charges, according to court records.
O'Kane was found innocent of DUI in 2006. He was found guilty on the resisting arrest charge.
"I was pulled over for a broken taillight, and I wasn't pleased with it because I thought it was a very minor incident, and they didn't think I was as cooperative as I should have been," O'Kane said Tuesday.
"I didn't comport with all the things (the police officer) wanted me to do."
O'Kane was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, ordered to pay $500 in fines and court costs plus perform 100 hours of community service and two days of the Sheriff's Work Alternative Program. O'Kane completed all requirements of his sentence in May.
He said the incident should not affect the election, noting, "if you look, my character's pretty solid."