I’ll be found not guilty
... I’ll be found not guilty ...’
By JOHN PEPIN, Journal Munising Bureau
NEWBERRY — Tahquamenon Area Schools Superintendent Rod Martin predicted Thursday he will be cleared of an assault charge against him and will keep his current position.
“I fully believe that after all the evidence is heard, I firmly believe I’ll be found not guilty,” Martin said, just after a jury had been selected in 92nd District Court. “I look forward to returning to serving the children of the district.”
Martin, 53, who was hired as the district’s superintendent last June, said he had expected the trial would be ready to start in March or April, after the incident allegedly occurred on Jan. 5.
He is charged with one count of assault or assault and battery. If convicted, the charge is punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
Martin, who is currently on paid administrative leave from the school district, is accused of grabbing the arm of teacher Susan D. Pann during a break at a school contract negotiations session in January.
As the months wore on while attorneys prepared for trial, including a postponement last month for lawyers to interview more witnesses and obtain a supplemental police report, Martin said he grew anxious for the case to be heard.
Martin said he was ready Thursday when the trial finally opened.
Newberry Village Prosecutor James Robinson completed offering his arguments in the case Thursday, resting his case after calling only six of the two dozen witnesses he had ready for trial.
The court case is expected to conclude today in Newberry.
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