A St. Michael City Council member serving his first term was arrested and jailed over the weekend after an alleged domestic assault.
Cody William Gulick, 35, St. Michael, was arrested Friday, Aug. 14 on a charge of domestic assault, according to a Wright County Sheriff’s Office report. According to the Wright County Attorney’s office, the charge, which is pending, is a misdemeanor, meaning it’s Gulick’s first offense under Minnesota Statutes §609.2242 and §518B.01.
Gulick released a statement, via his attorney, Monday at 2 p.m. stating that the incident was being handled out of court.
“It’s a big misunderstanding, and the charges are being dropped at this time,” the statement said.
The attorney’s office was contacted for a description of Friday’s incident, but details aren’t available until a citation is filed in Wright County District Court.
According to Minnesota Court records, this is Gulick’s first run-in with the law. He has no prior arrests.
In his candidate profile for the 2014 election, Gulick’s third attempt at public office, he described himself as a “conservative libertarian.” Gulick is a father of two daughters and has lived in St. Michael for seven years. He did not mention a significant other in his profile.
Gulick held off political veteran David Dayon and planning commission member Keith Wettschreck, as well as newcomer Jeffrey Nied. He finished second to Nadine Schoen in the 2014 race for two open seats.
UPDATE: The City of St. Michael offered “no comment” on the situation Monday, saying it follows the laws provided by the state in regards to elected officials.
In Minnesota, a felony conviction would result in an elected official most likely being removed from office, since he/she would also lose voting rights. Gulick was arrested on misdemeanor charges, which are pending, meaning the city has no influence on his political future under state law.