A jury trial is set for a Sac City man accused of assaulting former Sac County Sheriff Jonathan Meyer.
Thirty-four-year-old Matthew Birt will stand trial Nov. 4 at the Sac County Courthouse in Sac City on two felony charges: willful injury causing serious injury and assault on a peace officer with intent to inflict serious injury. Both carry up to 10 years in prison.
The charges stem from an Aug. 25 incident at Meyer’s home, where police say Birt tackled, punched, and attempted to strangle Meyer in front of his young child. Witnesses say Meyer did not fight back. He suffered a concussion, facial fractures, and a torn ear requiring stitches.
Birt pleaded not guilty and was released on a $35,000 bond. He’s barred from contacting Meyer or his family and must follow strict pretrial conditions.
Meyer resigned days after the assault, citing personal reasons. Chief Deputy Katie Stange has since been appointed sheriff.
The case is being prosecuted by Greene County Attorney Thomas Laehn.
