CONNEAUT —
A city man accused of violating a promise to behave himself at public meetings pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon to a disorderly conduct charge, according to a Conneaut Municipal Court spokesperson.
Charles Michalos, 53, offered the guilty plea that was accepted by Judge Thomas Harris. Michalos was fined $150, which will be conditionally suspended, the spokesperson said. He must pay court costs.
Michalos had already been permanently banned from City Hall by City Manager Tim Eggleston in a letter delivered last month, officials said. Harris reminded Michalos of the ban at Tuesday’s hearing, said Law Director David Schroeder.
The plea was offered following a meeting last week between Michalos and his attorney, according to reports.
At issue was a pre-trial diversion program Michalos entered that deferred a disturbing a lawful meeting charge filed more than two years ago. One of the conditions of the program was that Michalos conduct himself properly at future meetings. In September, prosecutors determined Michalos violated the agreement when he asked questions at a City Council meeting about a restaurant owned by the wife of Councilman-at-large Neil LaRusch.
Michalos had been banned from the building pending the outcome of the latest allegations.
Michalos was an outspoken presence at City Council meetings and often spoke during the audience participation portion of meetings. He ran afoul of the law in April 2010, when — while making some emotional remarks — he picked up and adjusted a chair in front of him. Some city officials complained afterwards, saying they feared Michalos was going to use the chair as a weapon.
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