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Prosecutor declines to bring assault charge against selectman

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FARMINGTON – A prosecutor has declined to bring an assault charge against the Farmington Board of Selectmen chairman due to a lack of evidence.

Ryan Morgan
Ryan Morgan

Ryan Morgan, 40, of West Farmington, was arrested on Nov. 10 and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence assault on a family member under the age of 14 by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

But, after reviewing a law enforcement investigation that included statements from multiple witnesses, photographs and the statement of a medical doctor familiar with the case, Somerset County Assistant District Attorney Brent Davis decided that prosecution of the matter should be declined due to a lack of evidence, Morgan’s attorney Walter Hanstein said.

The Somerset County District Attorney’s Office  handled the case on behalf of the Franklin County DA’s Office to avoid the appearance of any conflict since Morgan, a Farmington selectman, has recently served on the Franklin County Budget Committee which votes on the DA’s budget.

“Mr. Morgan cooperated fully in this investigation from its inception, and he is obviously gratified and relieved by this decision,” Hanstein said in a prepared statement Tuesday.

Davis was in court and unavailable for comment but said in a memorandum to the Sheriff’s Department that he declined to bring a charge “because the state would not be able to prove this case beyond reasonable doubt,” based on the statements made by Morgan,” witnesses and a medical doctor.

On Nov. 6, the child reportedly disclosed an assault had taken place to a teacher. School officials referred the report to the Department of Health and Human Services. The Farmington Police Department was notified, but turned the case over to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department to investigate due to Morgan’s position on the board of selectmen.

Franklin County Sheriff Scott Nichols, Sr. said DHHS reported at the time, “there was some bruising” on the child. Sheriff’s Department Detective Ken Charles interviewed Morgan on Nov. 10 and then placed him under arrest, charging him with misdemeanor domestic violence assault. He was released that same day on $250 cash bail.

After receiving word that the charge has been dropped, Morgan “is especially relieved that he is now free to go home to his family in time for the Thanksgiving holiday,” Hanstein said and added that because Morgan is a selectmen and a public figure, “this notoriety has unfortunately made this whole ordeal even more difficult for him.”

“Throughout the past two weeks he has been particularly thankful for the love and support he has been shown by his family and friends, and he is also grateful that so many others in the community have kept open minds while this investigation was taking place,” Hanstein noted.

Editor’s note: The writer of this story is related to attorney Walter Hanstein.

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15 Comments

  1. I’m glad to see that dailybulldog posted the outcome of Ryan’s charges. Many times when ppls lives are ripped apart by accusations and then found there wasn’t enough evidence and charges dropped, the media hardley ever writes a story about the charges being dropped. The aftermath of the terrible experience still lingers on for years and still makes it hard for the accused. Ryan is a good guy and he can hold his head high..I am so glad he can go home to his family for the upcoming holidays….

  2. Ryan,
    We are overjoyed for you. Never doubted your version of events. Gratified to see that our justice system actually works.. John & Karen

  3. Never doubted you for a minute ryan. Good job on behalf of the DA s office to expedite this. Now everyone back to work

  4. Is “anyone” else wondering how this kid is doing?

    I’ve rephrased this question several times and so far,,only Ryan’s supporters have been posted.

    Anyone else?

  5. Ryan, We want to express how glad we are that you are home and have this behind you. You have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be as well. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

  6. I’m glad to see this resolved swiftly. I would hope that the case outcome would be released to the TV stations as they blasted the arrest all over the news.

  7. I am very happy for Ryan . Glad this was resolved for him. Sue made a good point in an earlier comment about others who are accused with little or no evidence . Unfortunately , not everyone who has their name smeared in the media has the outcome published if their charges are dropped.

  8. Ryan,

    I am SO pleased at this news. Also pleased as others have said, that The Daily Bulldog printed it. Now you should make sure the TV stations that were so ready to cover their screen with the accusations, print the outcome! Have a very well deserved Happy Thanksgiving with your family.

  9. I knew that something minor was blown out of proportion. So glad the out come was posted as well.Now,you are home for the holidays. Enjoy

  10. Maybe the daily bulldog and the other media outlets should lead with this story like they did when this wrongfully accused and arrested man was in the news awhile ago

  11. I knew it Ryan…I just knew it! I am so glad that you are back home where you belong! I
    knew it had to be a bad mix up!

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