An Iowa lawmaker is intending to plead guilty to an OWI and a weapons charge, following an arrest this past Friday in Ames.

District 47 State Representative Chip Baltimore, from Boone, tells Raccoon Valley Radio that he intends to plead guilty to the misdemeanor charges of an OWI-first offense and possession of a firearm while under the influence. He also faces citations for failure to maintain a lane and driving under the speed limit. Baltimore was arrested early Friday morning by the Ames Police Department, while driving west on Highway 30 just past the South Dayton exit. He says he is taking full responsibility for his actions.

“First of foremost with regards to the legal charges that are there, I will be pleading guilty to those and accepting whatever legal consequences (or) sentences that will come from that. I’m not trying to get any special deals or treatment, I am simply pleading guilty to all of the charges that are charged against me.”

We’ve previously reported that Iowa House Speaker Linda Upmeyer removed Baltimore as chair of the judiciary committee on Monday. Baltimore agreed with Upmeyer’s decision.

“I did not believe that the hard work of the committee should be distracted by my personal legal issue that arose because of my terrible decision last week.”

Baltimore adds that he will continue to serve on the judiciary committee, along with serving on the ways and means, agriculture and state government committees. He apologizes to everyone for his decisions and says he’s excited to continue to serve the people of District 47.