Campbell chief pleads no contest to misdemeanor
By Anne Jungen, La Crosse Tribune, Wis. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
The charge will be dismissed in two years if Kelemen avoids new crimes, continues counseling and completes 40 hours of community service under the conditions of a diversion agreement.
After months of conflict between the town, police and tea party activists, Kelemen in January and March used activist
Kelemen initially denied his conduct during a
His attorney,
The chief viewed the activity as a public safety risk; Luce and another tea party member argued the ordinance trampled on their rights and responded with a federal lawsuit. The amended suit accuses Kelemen of violating Luce's right to petition without retaliation, invasion of privacy and civil identity theft.
The board placed Kelemen on paid leave
Luce told the judge today that Kelemen is guilty of more severe charges and is "only getting a slap on the wrist."
"This was not a joke as Kelemen stated when he confessed, it is a serious crime," Luce testified. "Kelemen created a gay profile on
The chief also posted "hateful and harassing comments" on the Tribune's website, including details about the condition of Luce's property "showing that he was stalking me," Luce testified.
Luce said he suspects the chief suffered a psychological breakdown "and should never be allowed to carry a badge and a gun again."
"I don't believe a diversion agreement is fair in this situation," Luce said. "My reputation and my civil rights have been seriously harmed, and the criminal is going to again get a slap on the wrist by the
Kelemen did not address the court.
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This is a developing story. Return to the Tribune for more.
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