This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
SOUTH OGDEN - A Justice Court judge dismissed two misdemeanor charges against Bob Geiger, a key supporter of Mayor Matthew Godfrey, and set a trial on two others connected to a dispute over political signs.
Geiger, 31, said he refused the prosecutor's offer to reduce those class B misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass to an infraction. That would have meant a possible $50 fine and restitution of less than $1 for two zip ties.
"My integrity is worth more to me than two zip ties," said Geiger, who will stand trial Feb. 28.
South Ogden prosecutor Ken Bradshaw brought the charges in that city to avoid a potential conflict of interest for Ogden prosecutors.
The dismissed charges stemmed from a September incident in which Ogden City Councilwoman Amy Wicks saw Geiger touching one of her lawn signs. Wicks is often at odds with Godfrey. Geiger said he was only straightening the sign, but Wicks, who believes Geiger was removing her sign, complained to police.
The remaining charges are connected to an August argument between Geiger and state Rep. Neil Hansen, who was challenging Godfrey in the primary. Geiger admitted removing Hansen's political sign on a vacant home after receiving permission from a real estate company.
Hansen, however, had permission of the homeowner, an in-law of his daughter's.