Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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UPDATE:
The charge of voyeurism was dismissed and expunged from Cram's record on May 1, 2008.- - - - - -
RIVERTON -- There's trouble in Riverton City, tonight.
Bill Applegarth, Mayor of Riverton: "He is the best city manager I believe that Riverton has had."
But Mark Cram is on leave, accused of peeping on a 16-year-old girl at a tanning salon. An interim city manager has taken over as Cram deals with charges of voyeurism-- a misdemeanor.
The mayor of Riverton is standing by him. Mayor Bill Applegarth has talked to Cram every day since the incident. In fact, the mayor is the first person Cram called and told what happened.
Bill Applegarth/ Mayor of Riverton: "He admitted that he did a stupid thing, that's right."
It was the morning after the alleged incident that Mayor Bill Applegarth says he got the call from Mark Cram, and he told him everything.
Bill Applegarth: "Mark Cram is a good man. A stupid thing has occured."
It happened at Tahiti Sun tanning salon in Riverton. The owner says Cram had been a regular the past few weeks. But on June 14th, investigators say the 50-year-old peeped over an almost nine foot tall wall, at a 16-year-old girl who was changing out of her clothes to go tanning.
Bill Applegarth: "It's a very sad situation for Mark and the alleged victim as well."
Despite the allegations, the mayor says they've missed Cram, who has been on paid administrative leave since. He says that city manager is a big job.
Bill Applegarth: "He runs the day to day operation of Riverton city."
The mayor says Cram is respected by his staff, and one of the best managers the city has ever had.
Bill Applegarth: "This is a hard time for Riverton."
Cram has already met with the city council and the mayor and answered all their questions, but will have to meet with them again when his paid leave is up, and they will decide if he keeps his job.
Bill Applegarth: "Mark has told me and the council this is the only time this has ever occurred." "I frankly believe him."
The council will vote July 25th whether Cram gets to keep his job as city manager or not. Four of the six of them must agree to it.
