A Charlottesville General District Court judge dismissed misdemeanor assault charges against third-year Commerce student Ronnie Washington, Student Council executive vice president, at a Friday morning hearing.
Washington had been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery after an incident that occurred March 2 at Jones' Wrecker, located at 420 West Main Street.
The victim had alleged that Washington struck him during an argument when Washington came to retrieve his towed car.
The alleged victim then obtained a warrant from the Charlottesville magistrate for Washington's arrest. Charlottesville police were originally called to the scene but did not arrest Washington at that time.
Asst. Commonwealth Attorney Ron Huber confirmed that all charges against Washington were dropped after the alleged victim in the incident did not appear in court for the scheduled Friday hearing.
Washington's attorney, Student Legal Services Director Lester Wilson, also confirmed that his client has been cleared of all charges related to the incident because the alleged victim did not attend the hearing.
Washington expressed relief that his record has been cleared.
"I'm just happy that the process is over," he said.
Wilson also said he was pleased that Washington had been cleared of the allegations and he was happy to have represented him.
Council Chief Financial Officer John Finley said he was supportive of Washington and glad that the matter has ended.
"In my three years on Student Council, I haven't worked with a finer individual," Finley said.
He said Washington is "dedicated, driven and takes his responsibilities more seriously than any other person I know," and has been an outstanding Council officer.
If convicted of the charges, Washington could have faced up to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine.
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