A grand jury has indicted a Mitchell man on charges of obstructing a law enforcement officer for his actions during a Mitchell School District Board of Education meeting last month.
Reed Bender, 39, faces a Class 1 misdemeanor for "using or threatening to use violence, force or physical interference or obstacle, intentionally obstruct, impair or hinder the enforcement of the criminal laws or the preservation of the peace by law enforcement officers," according to court documents.
On Sept. 14 in the library of the Mitchell High School, Bender refused to wear a mask during the regularly scheduled board meeting. When board members told all attendees they had to wear a mask, Bender was vocal that he wouldn't put one on. Superintendent Joe Graves told Bender he would have him removed and then Graves called local authorities.
Bender arrest warrant by inforumdocs on Scribd
Upon their arrival, Bender told Mitchell police officers Niko Arnold and Tyler Urban, "You're going to have to drag me out." He then proceeded to tell the school board members, "This is what you are doing. You're sowing discord within our community at every level. It's disgusting."
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The officers then attempted to escort Bender out of the meeting. At one point, one officer drew his taser — while some audience members at the meeting told Bender not to resist. Bender eventually left the meeting.
Court documents say the indictment is made with the concurrence of at least six grand jurors. It also states that both Arnold and Urban testified with regard to the case.
A warrant has been issued for Bender's arrest. A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable upon conviction by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.
