At-Large Peoria City Councilman Zach Oyler has entered an Alford plea to disorderly conduct as part of an agreement to have other charges stemming from a July 2019 domestic incident dropped.
Under an Alford plea, Oyler maintains he is innocent, but concedes there is likely enough evidence to convince a judge or jury of his guilt.
Disorderly conduct is a Class C misdemeanor. He was sentenced to nine months of court supervision on Friday, and ordered to pay a $400 fine and court fees.
Charges of domestic battery and interfering in a report of domestic violence were dropped as part of the plea arrangement. Having a misdemeanor on his record doesn't require Oyler to give up his council seat.
Oyler's wife claimed the councilman got into an argument with her after coming home from a bar last summer. When she tried to leave the house, she claimed Oyler took her phone, threw her to the ground, and wrapped an arm around her neck.
Oyler was arrested after his wife managed to get her phone back and call 911. She obtained an order of protection against him, but later tried to recant her testimony. Peoria County State's Attorney Jodi Hoos refused to drop the case.
Oyler has never commented publicly on the inicent, nor has any other member of the Peoria City Council.
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