A Volga city official accused of assaulting his wife earlier this year pleaded guilty in Brookings County Circuit Court last week to one count of false imprisonment. Steve W. Meyer, 56, of 46326 209th St., was also facing two counts of simple assault following his Jan. 19 arrest, but those charges were dropped in a plea agreement with the state. After accepting Meyer's guilty plea, Circuit Judge Vincent Foley sentenced the Volga city administrator to pay a $500 fine and suspended a 90-day jail sentence.

He also has to reimburse his wife for medical treatment she received earlier this year. Court documents show that her medical bills related to the January incident have totaled more than $7,100. Insurance has covered more than $1,800, and Meyer has to pay his wife $5,319.60 for the balance.

Additionally, Meyer has to remain law-abiding for one year, cannot consume alcohol, must complete an alcohol evaluation and complete a treatment program in the next year if court services officers decide it's necessary.

False imprisonment is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Brookings County Sheriff Marty Stanwick said earlier this year that Meyer's wife, Sarah, called 911 at about 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, regarding a domestic assault.

She said in a preliminary hearing that Meyer slammed her on the kitchen floor that evening, banged her head into cabinets repeatedly while he was on top of her, and pushed on her chest until she couldn't breathe. Meyer's wife said she also tried to hide from her husband in a bathroom, but Meyer allegedly punched open the door.

She also admitted to throwing pots and a chair at Meyer and pulling a knife and threatening to use it on both Meyer and herself . Both Meyer and his wife had reportedly been drinking earlier in the evening at a city Christmas party.

Court documents indicate that Meyer's wife went to the hospital for treatment at least two times following the incident and suffered multiple injuries, including bruises to her arms, tailbone and face, a slight concussion and three fractured ribs.

A sheriff's deputy who responded to the January 911 call also said at the preliminary hearing that Meyer had a scrape on the side of his nose and scratches on his body, and his shirt was torn.

Before reaching the plea agreement last week, a jury trial was scheduled for July 10.

Court documents show the defense planned to argue that the Volga couple's disagreement stemmed from marital and financial problems, including an allegation of forgery. But by the time the defendant and prosecution reached a plea agreement, a judge had not decided whether that argument or evidence to support it would be allowed at trial.

Contact Jill Fier at jfier@brookingsregister.com.