Published: June 20, 2009 02:11 am      

Attorney Larry Wilder apologizes for actions

Jeffersonville attorney Larry Wilder is apologizing after police found him asleep in a neighbor’s trash can Wednesday morning.

“I take responsibility for my conduct,” Wilder said Friday. “I’ve made a mistake. I’ve embarrassed myself. I’ve embarrassed my family, and I’ve embarrassed my clients.”

Wilder said a client called on Tuesday and invited him to go to Jeff Ruby’s restaurant in Louisville because a member of his firm had passed a brokerage exam and wanted to celebrate. Wilder said he was picked up and dropped off in a limousine, but says he does not remember having more than three or four drinks.

“I can’t tell you what happened. I wish I could,” he said, explaining that he cannot remember anything after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.

He said the next thing he remembers after being at the restaurant is Jeffersonville Police Department Officer Scott Oliver getting him out of the trash can and walking him home. His neighbor had called 911 and reported a man in his trash can.

JPD Chief Tim Deeringer said earlier this week Wilder was not charged with a crime and that he cooperated with police.

“Anybody that knows me, if you ask them, I’m not a drinker,” Wilder said.

Wilder said it is time to move forward from the incident, but fired back at those critical of his actions.

“I think that those individuals who have chosen to revel in my embarrassment are certainly satisfied with what they’ve achieved, so they should be pleased,” Wilder said.

According to media reports, Deeringer has said that an officer took photos with his cell phone of Wilder in the trash can. Those pictures were sent to the media by anonymous sources. Deeringer could not be reached for comment Friday.

“I think the police officer who leaked the photos should only apologize to my kids,” Wilder said, but added that he does not want the officer to be punished. “I would defend that police officer [who took the photos] if any effort is taken to discipline him.”

In addition to running his own law firm in Jeffersonville, Wilder serves as attorney for the Jeffersonville City Council, the Greater Clark County Schools board, and also has represented the city in several high-profile cases.

The city council will meet in executive session at 6 p.m. Wednesday in City Hall to discuss the situation.

Wilder said he is not worried about the effect of the incident on his career.

“I respect any decision any of my clients make regarding what they choose to do,” Wilder said.