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KAMAS, Utah (AP) -- Police Chief Errik Ovard enjoys strong support from the community and his alleged victim as he faces domestic violence charges for a March incident involving his adult stepdaughter.
Ovard has a 3rd District Court hearing Tuesday in the March 3 incident.
Court documents allege that Ovard heard his stepdaughter Nicole Mondragon had been driving recklessly, confronted her and grabbed her by the throat as he tried forced her into his patrol car. Her boyfriend called police.
Ovard's attorney, Jerry D'Elia disputed the accuracy of the account given in court documents.
Kamas residents have signed petitions supporting Ovard and the mayor and City Council also have declared their support.
Ovard is on paid administrative leave pending resolution of the case.
Ovard could lose his police certification and his job if convicted of domestic violence, which the residents, city officials and the stepdaughter say they do not want to happen.
Mondragon told a local tv station in an interview last month that he did something wrong, but it was outweighed by the good things he has done for her and her family.
Mayor Lewis Marchant said last month that it was an "unfortunate incident that has been blown out of proportion."
He said the City Council "voted unanimously very supportive of Chief Ovard, and I am, too.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
