BOISE -- Former state Sen. John McGee has been sentenced to 44 days in jail after pleading guilty to disturbing the peace, a charge filed back in February after a Senate staffer accused him of sexual harassment.
McGee was handcuffed and taken into custody immediately after the judge handed down the sentence in an Ada County courtroom Tuesday afternoon.
Both the state and McGee's attorney Scott McKay were fine with putting McGee in jail for five days and giving him a fine. But that was not good enough for Fourth District Magistrate James Cawthon.
The judge said McGee should be treated as a public servant, and the consequences of his crimes should reflect that degree of respect.
Cawthon ordered McGee to serve 44 days in jail for disturbing the peace, a charge linked to allegations from a legislative attache working for him this year while he was serving as a state senator.
Also in court, we learned more about what happened when McGee resigned amid those disturbing the peace allegations. Deputy prosecutor Jean Fisher says McGee cornered the 25-year-old assistant in his office and demanded graphic sexual conduct from her.
In court today, McGee admitted guilt to the accusations and apologized for his behavior.
"Your honor, I accept responsibility for my actions. Serving in the Idaho Senate has been a great privilege, but with that privilege comes responsibility and over the last year I did not live up to that privilege. And I am sorry for that and I apologize," said McGee.
McGee's family, including his wife, was in the courtroom during today's sentencing. The victim was not present.
McGee resigned from his position with West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell earlier this year. His attorney told the court that he is unemployed and looking for work.
McGee was also sentenced to an additional 44 days for violating the terms of probation stemming from a 2011 drunken driving conviction, but the judge said that could be served through community service.
