HAYDEN - The Copa restaurant is closed, said owner and former Republican state Sen. Mike Jorgenson.

He said bad publicity stemming from his misdemeanor battery arrest earlier this year combined with overpaid employees, many of whom stole food and alcohol, killed The Copa.

"We've been evaluating whether we're going to reopen or not," Jorgenson, of Hayden Lake, said Wednesday. A few pre-scheduled event obligations will be met.

He said he hired some people with questionable backgrounds, giving them a "second or third chance in life."

Among other abuses, he said, some of them used illegal drugs and consumed alcohol while on the job.

He added, "It was a lesson I learned at some cost."

He thanked a loyal group of employees and customers from Hayden and Coeur d'Alene.

He said there were a dozen employees, including two full time, at the time of closure. At its peak the restaurant, which occupied about 4,000 square feet of leased space, employed about two dozen people.

The upscale restaurant with American-inspired cuisine has been operating since 2010 at 9265 Government Way in Hayden. He opened the restaurant with his wife, Cynthia.

Jorgenson, 64, was accused of throwing a now-former bartender and server of his restaurant to the ground over a dispute over pay.

The charge was dismissed late last week, which came as no surprise to Jorgenson.

"I always had complete faith in our justice system and that justice would be served," Jorgenson said. "Nonetheless, the incident and the glaring spotlight placed on me in the press as a former elected leader was very difficult for my family, my friends, and for my business to contend with."