Posted: 3/29/05
Officer requests jury trial on obstruction charges
James Stemper, a City of Caledonia police officer currently on administrative leave and facing criminal charges, has requested that his case be heard by a jury.
Stemper faces charges of reckless driving, a misdemeanor, and obstructing a police officer. The charges were filed following an incident in September of 2004 in which two motorcycles were pursued from Winona County, Minnesota, into Buffalo County, Wisconsin. The drivers fled on foot, and one was later apprehended. One of the motorcycles recovered was registered to Stemper. The driver who was taken into custody later told police that Stemper had been driving the other cycle, according to the report. Stemper has denied that he was the driver.
The jury trial on the obstruction charge is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, at 9 a.m. at the Buffalo County Courthouse in Alma, WI. The charge of reckless driving will be heard by the court at 3 p.m. the same day.
Stemper remains on paid administrative leave.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com