By Jacob Mathias

Court Reporter

WOOD COUNTY — An Auburndale man faces charges of resisting or obstructing an officer after allegedly filing a false report claiming that he had been assaulted on Valentine’s Day.

Michael Meharg, 23, made his initial appearance in Wood County Circuit Court on Sept. 14 for the charge of resisting or obstructing an officer, a class A misdemeanor, which — if convicted — could lead to a maximum sentence of nine months imprisonment or a $10,000 fine or both.

According to court documents, on Feb. 14 Wood County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 5900 block of Main St. in Auburndale where they met with Meharg. At that time Meharg alleged that earlier that evening three individuals had assaulted him at a bar in Arpin.

Police say Meharg provided “substantial” detail regarding the assault and had significant injuries to his face. Based on Meharg’s statements and injuries, deputies conducted an extensive investigation into the assault.

The investigation led deputies to believe that there was no assault and that Meharg’s injuries were actually sustained from a traffic accident.

On Feb. 23 deputies confronted Meharg about the inconsistencies relating to his alleged assault and their investigation. He then allegedly admitted his injuries came as the result of a car accident when he drove after consuming alcohol.

Meharg is currently free on a $1,000 signature bond.

He returns to Branch 3 of Wood County Circuit Court on Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. for a pre-trial conference.