Dakota Co. commissioner pleads not guilty in DUI, obstruction cases

Yahoo

22-02-2025

DAKOTA CITY, Neb. (KCAU) — A Dakota County Commissioner has pleaded not guilty to DUI and obstruction charges in two separate cases.
Richard Bousquet is charged with obstructing government operation, refusal to submit to test-first offense, DUI alcohol – first offense, and driving left of center on Jan. 5. He pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanors and infractions on Feb. 17.
Bousquet was also arrested on Jan. 21 and charged with driving under revocation – first offense, obstructing governmental operation, and no operator's license. He pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges on Feb. 20.
Bousquet (R) was elected to the Board of Commissioners in the Nov. 2024 election. He was elected alongside Jeff Reed (R) and Rogelio Rodriguez-Villalobos (D). Bousquet previously served on the South Sioux City City Council.
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On Jan. 5 at 12:08 a.m., a deputy of the Dakota County Sheriff's Office was sitting at a stop light when they saw a Ford F-150 turn without using a turn signal, according to court documents. The deputy also saw the pickup weave in its lane and cross the center line. The deputy then made a traffic stop.
Bousqet allegedly identified himself as the driver, and the deputy noticed a smell of alcohol coming from Bousquet and bloodshot eyes. Documents state that Bousquet admitted to consuming alcohol at a friend's place.
The deputy asked for Bousquet to step out of the vehicle, but he refused multiple times until he finally did.
Another deputy arrived to the scene, and as authorities were reviewing Bousquet's license status, he allegedly demanded that Dakota County Sheriff Chris Kleinberg be called. He reportedly stated at one point: 'I really don't need this, so I would appreciate a call to Sheriff Kleinberg and tell him who I am and go from there.'
Bousquet also stated: 'I don't know how we're going to approach this but I really don't want a DUI and I am going to be the new County Commissioner and I don't want this to influence you in any way.'
After more back-and-forth, Bousquet agreed to do a preliminary breath test but allegedly blocked the straw with his tongue or teeth. After multiple other attempts, a sample was provided showing Bousquet with a .094 BAC. He was then arrested and taken to the Dakota County Jail.
At the jail's intoxication room, he allegedly refused to provide a breath sample. After being informed it could be an additional charge, he refused again and said he would only provide a blood sample. He bonded out of the jail later that day.
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On Jan. 21 around 5 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department was informed that Bousquet had driven to the county commissioner's meeting even though his driving status had been revoked. Authorities were also told that he was driving a blue Ford F-150.
An officer was in a patrol vehicle sitting in the median of Highway 77 and Futures Drive. The officer then saw a vehicle matching the description and plates going north on Highway 77, seeing Bousquet driving. The officer initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle.
The officer told Bousquet that he was driving revoked, but Bousquet said he believed that it was the last day. The officer checked and found that his license was revoked and that he would have to be arrested.
The officer asked Bousquet to turn around and place his hands behind his back. The officer then 'proceeded to lightly grab his hands when [Bousquet] fell to the ground in pain.' He allegedly claimed the officer pulled his shoulder and dislocated it.
The officer called for medical and said that he could later request an arrest warrant for Bousquet. Bousquet then allegedly declined medical attention and was then arrested and taken to the Dakota County Jail.
The officer noted that he did not apply any force that could have caused Bousquet's behavior, adding that he believed Bousquet was trying to fake an injury to avoid being jailed. He bonded out of jail the next day.
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As Bousquet is an elected official in the county, the Dakota County Attorney has asked to be recused in both cases and the judge assigned the Nebraska Attorney General's Office to prosecute the cases.
In the case originating on Jan. 5, a hearing for discovery is set for March 5. Additionally, pretrial proceedings are set for March 24 with a trial on April 24.
For the Jan 21. case, pretrial proceedings are scheduled for April 7 with a trial day set for May 1.
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