Ex-Cottage Grove council member cleared of domestic assault
A former Cottage Grove City Council member has been cleared of a domestic assault charge but convicted on a lesser charge of disorderly conduct for an incident with his wife.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports 36-year-old Derrick Lehrke waived his right to a jury trial. Washington County District Judge John Hoffman made the decision last month after hearing testimony. Sentencing is set for Oct. 1.
The charges stemmed from an argument Lehrke had in January with his wife, former Washington County Commissioner Autumn Lehrke.
The judge found insufficient evidence that Derrick Lehrke inflicted bodily harm on his wife but said his actions did cause her to become alarmed and angry.
Both Lehrkes were elected to office in 2010. Each served one term but failed to win re-election.
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