CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio – A Batavia Village Council member has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge following an alleged altercation with a resident outside a public meeting — in a case already drawing scrutiny across Clermont County.
Michael Gardner, a former Batavia police chief and current council member, entered a guilty plea to disorderly conduct after initially being charged with assault.
The charge stems from an incident on March 23 outside the Batavia Village Administration Building, where officials say Gardner followed a resident out of a council meeting before a confrontation turned violent.
According to a criminal complaint, the situation escalated after the resident made a gesture toward Gardner. Reports say that both men then exited the building, where the altercation took place.
Gardner was originally charged with assault by the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office. However, court records show the case was later resolved with a plea to the lesser offense.
Officials say the matter remains under review, with further records expected to be released in accordance with Ohio law.
Public records also show Gardner has faced prior scrutiny during his time in law enforcement. In 2018, a village investigation found he had engaged in inappropriate conduct while serving as Batavia’s police chief. He later resigned from that role before being elected to the council.