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Sexton appears for pre-trial conference

ALPENA — Alpena Municipal Councilman Shawn Sexton appeared in 88th District Court for his pre-trial conference Wednesday. Sexton was arrested and charged with a pair of misdemeanor stalking charges against his ex-wife and a male acquaintance in November.

Court documents show the complainants allege Sexton engaged in repeated and continuous harassment. He is represented by attorney Bill Pfeifer and Alcona County Prosecutor Tom Weichel will serve as a special prosecutor after Alpena County Prosecutor Ed Black recused himself due to a possible conflict of interest.

During the hearing both the prosecution and defense agreed to exchange a list of witnesses in the next 14 days before the next hearing on Feb. 27 at 1:30 p.m. A trial date is slated for March 9 if the case moves that far without a resolution being reached beforehand.

In December when news of his arrest came to light, Sexton said in a statement the charges were unfounded and he has faith in the justice system and is confident he will be found innocent.

“I can assure the public and those I love that the charges against me are vindictive in nature and completely false,” he said. “I’m absolutely certain I will be totally exonerated after due process.”

If convicted Sexton could serve a maximum penalty of up to a year in jail and/or a fine of $1,000.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.

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