Spencer, IA (Northwest Iowa Now) — The Former Police Chief from Armstrong entered two Alford pleas just before testimony began in his prosecution. The jury was already selected in Clay County District Court, but Craig Merrill conceded to two counts of assault with his police taser in exchange for charges of misconduct in office, ongoing criminal conduct, and first-degree theft being dropped. An Alford plea is not an admission of guilt, but acknowledgement that a jury would likely find guilt if the case proceeded to trial.

Merril was arrested in February of 2021 along with four other city officials. Three former Armstrong city clerks had previously pled guilty. After several delays Merril’s trial was set for Clay County. Former Mayor Greg Buum is still scheduled to go on trial October 1st on eleven different counts.

Sentencing for Merril is set for September 17th back in Emmet County.