MILLSBORO, Del. - A Delaware lawmaker is facing criticism for sending a strongly worded email to a state police captain after he was stopped for speeding.
Rep. John Atkins, D-Millsboro, was driving to the state capital for a legislative session in January when he was stopped by Cpl. Raymond St. Claire, according to the email.
The lawmaker used profanity to describe the trooper and reminded Capt. Galen Purcell of what he has done for police during his elected tenure.
"The next time I'm getting ready to release or vote on a bill that affects the Delaware State Police, please return the favor and send Cpl. St. Claire to lobby on DSP behalf," the email said.
After the stop, Atkins received a verbal warning from the trooper but no ticket.
"I think it was a mistake from start to finish," said Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, House Majority Leader and retired state police captain. "John messed up."
Atkins declined an on-camera interview on Monday. Over the phone, Atkins admitted to sending the email and apologized for his actions. The representative said he regrets what he did and wishes he had a "do over."
"He's apologized. He's continuing to apologize. It was really not a good move," Schwartzkopf said.
Atkins is unlikely to face any formal punishment or ethics investigation by the Democratic-controlled house, Schwartzkopf said. The majority leader said the email may be distasteful but it is not a felony, high crime or treason. If anything, the email is free speech, Schwartzkopf said.
"I'm not defending him," Schwartzkopf said. "I will not defend him on this. He has done wrong. He knows it."
In 2006, police in Ocean City, Md., stopped Atkins on suspicions of drunk driving. It was later determined that Atkins flashed his legislative identification badge to officers in an attempt to gain leniency.
Despite a preliminary breath test indicating a blood-alcohol content of 0.14, nearly double Maryland's legal limit, police did not cite or arrest Atkins for the 2006 stop, according to reports from the Associated Press; however, Atkins was charged with offensive touching shortly thereafter for a dispute with his wife in Millsboro.
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