NEWS

Court dates set as firefighters plead not guilty

Spenser Hickey
Reporter

MARION – The three city firefighters charged in Logan County after a Aug. 16 bar incident have pleaded not guilty, and court hearings are set for late September and early October.

According to a Logan County Sheriff’s Office report, a confrontation at Froggy’s Bar began when a deputy removed a fourth Marion firefighter for performing cannonballs in violation of pool rules. That firefighter was not charged, but deputy Tom Meek alleged the three interfered with his efforts to remove the firefighter and make the subsequent arrests.

Assistant Chief Robert Cowell, Capt. Adam Fetter and firefighter Robert Stone were charged with obstructing official business, with Cowell facing an additional criminal trespassing charge and Fetter charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Fetter’s case is to begin Sept. 30, although that will be changed to a pretrial hearing pending representation. Bellefontaine Municipal Court records did not show an attorney representing him.

Robert Stone has a pretrial hearing set for 3 p.m. Oct. 6, where he will be represented by Marion attorney Robert E. Wilson. Wilson declined to comment on the case because it is ongoing.

Robert Cowell has a pretrial hearing set for 4 p.m. Oct. 6, where he will be represented by attorney Jon L. Jensen. Jensen did not respond to a request for comment.

An internal investigation into the incident was launched by the city because of the charges. Safety Director Tom Robbins was unavailable for comment on the investigation.

A staff member at Froggy’s bar and resort said Thursday afternoon the owner declined to answer questions regarding the incident.

shickey@marionstar.com

740-244-9940

Twitter: @SpenserHickey