BATAVIA, Ohio (WKRC) – A Batavia Village Council member arrested after a dispute turned into a physical altercation following a council meeting pleaded guilty Wednesday.
Michael Gardner pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct. He was originally charged with misdemeanor assault following the March 23 meeting.
Bill Albright spoke during Monday evening’s public meeting at the administration building. Council member Michael Gardner followed Albright out and started arguing with him. Clermont County deputies say the argument escalated and Gardner assaulted Albright. Gardner was arrested the next day.
Albright says they’ve disagreed before but they’ve never escalated to violence.
Gardner was fined $150 and must pay court costs…