Pubdate: Thu, 03 Nov 2005
Source: Statesman Journal (Salem, OR)
Copyright: 2005 Statesman Journal
Contact:  http://www.statesmanjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/427
Author: Cara Roberts Murez

REP. WIRTH WILL BE ARRAIGNED TODAY

State Rep. Kelley Wirth is scheduled to be arraigned at 9:30 a.m. 
today in Marion County Circuit Court on a felony indictment of 
possession of methamphetamine.

If convicted, Wirth's penalty could range from probation to a year in 
jail. She announced last month that she will resign from the state 
House effective Nov. 15.

An investigation into Wirth's alleged drug possession stems from an 
attempted-murder case in which she was the victim.

Wirth was run over and suffered serious leg injuries Sept. 6 just 
east of the State Capitol steps on Court Street NE. During a routine 
search of Wirth's car, Salem police found the alleged methamphetamine.

Lisa M. Temple, 23, of Salem, is accused of driving the car that 
struck Wirth. She is charged with assault and attempted murder.

Temple told police that her boyfriend, Fernando Mendez, who works at 
the Capitol, had an affair with Wirth. Wirth has denied there was an 
affair. Mendez, 27, has filed a restraining order against Wirth.
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