Allemand Going To White House, Gets A Break From Random Alcohol Tests

Wyoming state Rep. Bill Allemand, who was charged late last year with drunk driving, does not have to undergo court-ordered random alcohol testing while he is in Washington, D.C., with other lawmakers, a Buffalo-based magistrate has ruled. Rep. Allemand, R-Midwest, made the motion May 5 via his attorney, asking the court to let him forego the chemical testing requirement that his bond agreement requires while he is in Washington from May 31 to June 4.

The motion stated that the Johnson County Attorney’s Office did not oppose the request. Allemand has agreed to submit to breath testing before leaving and immediately upon return. Magistrate Judge Jeremy Kisling signed the proposed order last week.

Allemand told Cowboy State Daily that around 46 lawmakers are going to the nation’s Capitol to meet with Trump cabinet members on multiple topics. “It’s a huge honor to be invited,” he said. “We were invited by the White House.” He said he did not have the names of everyone going but plans to learn from the cabinet members and also let them know what Wyoming needs.

Addressing the testing requirement, Allemand rebutted that it rises to the level of a statewide news story. “You make it sound… like I’m being treated special, and believe me I am not,” he said. “If I worked on an oil rig in North Dakota I would get the very same thing. There is no special treatment here.”

Meanwhile, Allemand has multiple motions pending before the court. Kisling is considering whether a Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputy had enough evidence to arrest Allemand in late December. The public-facing court file showed no ruling on that matter as of Wednesday.

An affidavit written by Deputy Caleb Campbell states that Allemand admitted to drinking two beers before he was stopped in the area of 74 East Highway 16 in Buffalo, near the Miller’s Travel Center. Allemand said he drinks while driving to deal with anxiety, according to the affidavit. Cowboy State Daily has also watched body camera footage showing those admissions.

The misdemeanor DUI charge Allemand faces is punishable by up to six months in jail and $750 in fines. His trial in Buffalo Circuit Court is set for Sept. 16. The case remains ongoing.