EXCLUSIVE: Michelle Delgadillo: 'I Made a Mistake'

June 21, 2007 (KABC-TV) (KABC) -- She's been cited for driving without insurance and having a suspended license, admits to having an accident while driving her husband's city-owned vehicle, and published reports claim the city attorney's staff watched her kids. In an ABC7 exclusive, Michelle Delgadillo, wife of L.A. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo tells her side of the story.

Thursday was another day when the city attorney made no public appearances. There was no chance for reporters to ask about his alleged use of city staff for personal business. While efforts to reach him were unsuccessful, we were able to talk briefly to the person who is at the center of the controversy. Mrs. Delgadillo spoke with ABC7 Eyewitness News near her home.

The wife of the city attorney for nine years, and mother to two rough-and-tumble boys, ages six and three, Michelle Delgadillo describes a life overwhelmed at times with the kids to the detriment of other household responsibilities. The result -- headlines in the LA Times.

The latest allegations are that the city attorney occasionally tapped aides to babysit the boys.

Delgadillo is direct about her DMV record, which list two accidents -- including one in a restricted city-owned vehicle, and a bench warrant for her arrest issued nine years ago and cleared up only on Wednesday of this week.

Time and again, Mrs. Delgadillo says there is no issue here of entitlement, and that she is simply disorganized.

There is no word yet when the city attorney will be available to answer the same questions.

Complete Transcript: "I'm Not a Good Driver"

Miriam Hernandez, ABC7 Eyewitness News: "So all these reports in the LA Times. What is this doing to your family?"

Michelle Delgadillo: "I'll be honest with you -- it's been very, very difficult. But, you know, we're going to get through this."

Miriam Hernandez: "People are wondering about the accuracy [of the reports]. The latest report was about babysitting, that these kids were in city offices being babysat by city employees, employees of the city attorney."

Michelle Delgadillo: "For me, they're really hurtful. I'm not going to dignify those claims because I know my husband has responded to them. You know, for me it's been a blessing to be at home with my kids and be a fulltime mom."

Miriam Hernandez: "Did you every have an emergency or sometime when..."

Michelle Delgadillo: "I understand where you're going, but I'm just not going to get into any of the details. My husband's office will do that."

Miriam Hernandez: "But you don't think that's true?"

Michelle Delgadillo: "I'm not going to get into any of the details. All I can say is I'm a dedicated mother. For me it's a gift. He can address all of those claims, and I'm sure he will."

Miriam Hernandez: "The whole driving thing -- it just raises questions. What kind of driver are you?"

Michelle Delgadillo: "Well, I'm not a good driver. I don't think anyone would have that impression, and if they do it wouldn't be true. I'm not a stellar driver. I didn't resolve the matters quickly. I'm really embarrassed about it. You know, I care about what people think. I've learned my lesson. And you know, again, I love my kids. I've got to be a good role model and I have to set my priorities better, and I'm going to do that."

Miriam Hernandez: "You missed the insurance payment, and I know you love your kids, but you were driving without insurance for almost a year. What would have happened if you were in an accident?"

Michelle Delgadillo: "All I can say is I was disorganized. I was. There's no excuse for it. I understand what you're saying, but I'm not going to make excuses for myself. I wouldn't want my kids to do it, and I can't do it. And you're right, I have to be more organized. There's no doubt about it. I do. There's no excuse for it. I made a mistake -- a big one. And as an adult, it's really embarrassing for me. I'm going to do my best."

Miriam Hernandez: "This sounds like it's been a really tumultuous time for you."

Michelle Delgadillo: "It's been hard, for sure. I mean, I have those flaws."

Miriam Hernandez: "An overriding question is this -- to some people, it may seem there are two standards for the city attorney. One is being the top lawman and prosecutor in the city, and one set of rules for the public and one set of rules for himself."

Michelle Delgadillo: "I have to say this is not an issue of entitlement. I was disorganized. These are my mistakes. I have to take responsibility for them. I think that the moment I became aware of it, I took care of it as quickly as I could. This is not an issue of entitlement. It's my disorganization."

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