By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
CONNEAUT — A Conneaut man accused of threatening to harm Conneaut City Manager Robert Schaumleffel Jr. after a City Council meeting last month says his remark was misinterpreted, according to a statement.
David Baumgardner, 35, 447 Underridge Road, said he told the manager “I’m going to hurt you,” but meant only his reputation. Baumgardner was upset by a remark Schaumleffel had made regarding his auto repair business during the meeting, he said.
Baumgardner has been charged with aggravated menacing, a first degree misdemeanor. He will appear in Conneaut Municipal Court on Sept. 15, a court spokeswoman said. If found guilty, he faces a maximum penalty of six months in jail and $1,000 in jail.
The incident occurred after council’s Aug. 17 work session. Baumgardner was not in the audience when the meeting began, but came later after hearing his business mentioned during the session. Several people witnessed the confrontation, police said.
Baumgardner and his wife, Stephanie, sent an e-mail statement giving their side of the story to city officials and local media late last month, after the Star Beacon reported authorities were investigating the matter but before charges were filed. The Star Beacon does not publish the names of suspects until they have been formally charged by authorities.
Charges against Baumgardner were filed by Ashtabula City Solicitor Michael Franklin in Conneaut Municipal Court on Thursday afternoon. Conneaut Law Director Lori Lamer asked Franklin was asked to review the police report to avoid any conflict of interest.
In the e-mail statement, Baumgardner said he had “no intention” of attending the council meeting, but felt compelled to show “after hearing his business...mentioned once again in a negative manner by the city manager.” In the statement, the Baumgardners said Schaumleffel has a history of criticizing and disparaging their business, located on Gateway Avenue near Route 7.
“He felt he had to defend himself and his business,” according to the e-mail statement.
It’s believed the comments Schaumleffel made during the meeting came during a discussion on how the city deals with local businesses.
Baumgardner initially met Schaumleffel after the meeting with an introduction and handshake, according to the statement. Eventually, Baumgardner told the manager “If you bring my business up on TV again, I’m going to hurt you,” according to the statement. The remark alluded to Schaumleffel’s reputation and was not a threat of physical violence, according to the statement
Schaumleffel has said he will have no comment on the matter.
In recent months, the couple have clashed with city officials over their desire to have Community Auto added to the police department’s tow list.
