Barthel sentenced in district court

NEWLAND — William Barthel, 32, of Spruce Pine was found guilty in Avery County District Court on Tuesday, May 14, on charges of disruption of an official meeting and resisting a public officer, according to Avery County court documents.

The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred in an Avery County Board of Commissioners meeting at the Commissioners Boardroom on Tuesday, Jan. 16, when Barthel unfurled a sign degrading of a county official. Barthel was asked to remove the signage and leave the room but resisted, resulting in a scuffle with Avery County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Barthel received a suspended sentence, resulting in 18 months of supervised probation for each offense for a total of 36 months probation, as well as $1,243 in fines and fees, according to court documents. Additionally, within the first 90 days of the probation period Barthel is required to serve 48 hours of community service, 24 hours for each offense. Along with the sentencing, Barthel is banned from attending any meeting of Avery County Commissioners until the probation period is over. Failure to follow these orders will result in a 30-day jail sentence for Barthel for each charge, totaling 60 days, according to court documents.