A Greeley city councilman says he won’t resign his seat after pleading guilty this week to disorderly conduct involving a fight at his ex-girlfriend’s home in Northglenn.
LeRoy Johnson, 49, was originally cited on misdemeanor assault for his role in the March 8 incident. Dale Strahs, 52, said Johnson harassed Stacy Medina, 48, and fought Strahs both in and outside Medina’s home.
Johnson told police Strahs attacked him and he was only defending himself. Johnson was the only one cited in the incident, however.
Johnson said he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct to resolve the case and move on. He paid a $230 fine.
“I felt as though I made a mistake, and I just wanted to get it behind me and serve my constituents to the best of my ability,” Johnson said.
Johnson was elected in November 2003 and represents Ward I, one of the most populous sections of Greeley that includes downtown.
The Greeley Tribune has editorialized for Johnson to resign, citing Johnson’s run-ins with the law over the past 15 years. His record includes a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and citations for harassment, the paper said.
Greeley Mayor Tom Selders said only a felony offense can force someone from the council.
Still, he said, Johnson’s past does present an image problem for the city.
Selders said: “Some of us have concerns about how this makes us look, both as individuals and as a group.”
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
