Assault Charges Dropped Against Wyoming Lawmaker

Prosecutors in Florida have dropped charges against Wyoming state Rep. Bob Nicholas, who was arrested last month after witnesses said he hit his mentally disabled teenage son.

The Associated press reports that information from the Lee County Clerk and Court’s office indicated the third-degree felony charge had been dismissed.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Nicholas in Boca Grande, Fla., on Nov. 23 on suspicion of abusing a disabled adult after witnesses said he hit his 19-year-old son with a closed fist, pushed him to the sidewalk and kicked him. Sheriff’s deputies say Nicholas told them his son suffers seizures, has a mental condition similar to autism and became combative during lunch. The Cheyenne lawmaker described his response as corporal punishment.