A jury has found a Belmont County commissioner not guilty of assaulting a peace officer.

Matt Coffland was found not guilty of the felony charge around 5 p.m. Friday. The commissioner was accused of throwing an object at a liquor control agent during Jamboree in the Hills.

He previously pleaded not guilty to a fourth-degree felony charge of assault on a peace officer after he was indicted by a grand jury.

Coffland is running for re-election to the Belmont County Commission. He had requested a trial date before the November election. The original trial date was set for Nov. 7, which is one day after the general election.

UNEDITED:

October 22, 2012

A STATEMENT FROM BELMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONER

MATT COFFLAND

REGARDING HIS RECENT LEGAL COURT PROCEEDINGS.

          I am being asked by many media representatives about my recent trial which resulted in a not guilty verdict of felony assault. I want only to say that I have always promised citizens of Belmont County that I was innocent of these charges; I pled not guilty to the charges; I refused to enter into any “plea” agreements to “lesser” offenses as a result of the charge; and asked that my case not be “postponed,” but moved up to before the election, because I trusted a Belmont County Jury to determine the truth of these charges, and because I did not want these charges hanging over my head while I am seeking to continue to work for the citizens of Belmont County in another term as their County Commissioner.

          So while I am happy to put the matter behind me, I am confident that the voters of Belmont County will be equally supportive in my quest for a second term as Commissioner. I love serving the people of Belmont County, and now, with my recent experience, have even a greater appreciation for protecting and preserving the jobs and livelihood of each and every citizen I have the privilege of representing as your Commissioner.

          I hope you will continue to work with me to make Belmont County a place of opportunity; a place of caring; and a place we can be proud to call our home.

          Thank you for your past support and thank you for your vote on November 6^th.

With Sincere Gratitude,

Matt Coffland

Belmont County Commissioner