(Michigan City, IN) - Charges have been dismissed against the former mayor of Michigan City, who alleged the case from 2019 was political to cost him a third consecutive term.

 

Meer has agreed to admit guilt about leaving the scene of an accident after leaving office. However, charges of false informing, intimidation and official misconduct against Meer for his behavior following the arrest of his stepson were dismissed on August 8  

 

The case was dismissed by Porter County Judge Jeffrey Thode, who was brought in to handle the criminal proceedings since the politically charged allegations were filed in LaPorte County.  

 

The dismissed charges stem from Meer alleging his stepson, Adam Bray, was targeted by La Porte County Prosecutor John Lake and Meer presenting evidence he felt backed up his claims. Meer also lashed out at the police.  

 

Charges were brought against Meer just days before he lost to current mayor Duane Parry by less than 100 votes.

 

“A lot of effort went into tarnishing my reputation. For 55 years, I was never arrested for anything. Never even had a speeding ticket,” Meer said.

Bray was later convicted of the gun and drug-related charges resulting from a traffic stop in Michigan City.

 

Close to a year after leaving office, Meer struck a vehicle at a stop sign while making a wide turn at Ohio and Henry streets on Michigan City’s west side, police said. Police soon found Meer getting out of his vehicle outside his residence and asked if he wanted to talk about the crash.

 

Police said Meer walked into his home and shut the front door. He talked to the police about the accident the next day.

 

His attorney Scott King said a charge of resisting law enforcement would be dismissed against Meer in exchange for him pleading guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. King said Meer did not resist arrest because the police did not order him to speak to them about the minor collision.

 

“He was requested to come and talk to them and answer their questions, which he and you and I and everybody in America has the right to decline to do,” King said.