Pugmire pleads guilty to reduced alcohol charges

BRIGHAM CITY— Rance Pugmire, who resigned Friday as Utah State University athletic director, has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of alcohol-related reckless driving.

He was fined $800 and ordered to perform 24 hours of community service and was placed on probation.

Pugmire was charged with drunken driving after he rolled his Dodge Durango three times the night of Feb. 15 on I-15 near Willard. Pugmire suffered a concussion.

He refused to allow blood-alcohol tests.

He told Box Elder County Justice Court Judge Kevin Christensen on Wednesday that he doesn't remember refusing the tests.

He said he had last been drinking the night before the night of the wreck while in California.

He said that when he drove home from the airport on Feb. 15, he believed he did not have any alcohol in his system.

Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Jason Jensen told the judge Pugmire had a strong odor of alcohol at the time.

Christensen told Pugmire, "You are the only one who knows how much you had to drink, and you are the only one who knows how severe a problem you might have."

Noting Pugmire had no prior criminal record beyond a speeding ticket, Christensen handed down the fine and probation sentence and also ordered an evaluation to determine if Pugmire needs alcohol counseling.

Prosecutors said Pugmire lost his license for 18 months for refusing the alcohol testing, mandatory under state law even if drunken driving or related charges are dismissed.

"He was not given any special consideration," Box Elder County Attorney Amy Hugie said after the hearing. "He was given the same deal we give anyone in those circumstances."

Defense attorney Shannon Demler said, "We think he was under the legal limit," referring to the state's .08 blood-alcohol content level, "but we couldn't prove it, so this is a very good deal."

Pugmire said he hasn't contacted any prospective employers yet. He would like to remain in Cache Valley, but he said that isn't a likely locale for him to stay in collegiate athletics — which he said is still a possibility.

"There are a lot of guys worse than me in this business," he said.