DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A high-ranking Pittsburgh official and her husband have been charged following an altercation with police at a Detroit hotel.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office says 41-year-old Chelsa Wagner is charged with two counts of felony resisting police and one count of misdemeanor disorderly conduct, while her husband, 50-year-old Khari Mosley, is charged with disorderly conduct and misdemeanor disturbing the peace. Wagner, a Democrat, is the Allegheny County controller.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on March 6 at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. Prosecutors say Mosley was irate when workers would not allow him up to the room, which was registered only in his wife’s name, when he did not have a room key. Police were called and a loud confrontation ensued.
Officers went to Wagner's room and she confirmed Mosley was her husband. At that point, police say Mosley calmed down and was allowed into the room.
Police were still in the hallway when they allegedly heard a loud noise and shouting coming from the couple's room. Officers went back and told Wagner she was welcome to stay but hotel security requested that Mosley leave the premises. When an officer tried to remove Mosley, it's alleged that Wagner pushed the officer.
Mosley was placed in handcuffs and walked down the hallway to the elevator, where Wagner allegedly blocked the elevator door. It's further alleged that Wager grabbed and pushed an officer who asked her to move several times. Wagner was placed under arrest at that time but while officers were trying to place her into handcuffs, she allegedly resisted and was uncooperative.
Wagner was taken to the Detroit Detention Center and Mosely, who was no longer causing a disturbance, was not arrested and allowed to go to a nearby hotel.
"The officers involved in this case used remarkable restraint while dealing with the combined actions of these defendants," Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. "The evidence will show that during the incident Ms. Wagner and Mr. Mosley disparaged the officers and the hotel employees."
Detroit Police Chief James Craig says his officers acted appropriately. Wagner has said it was a misunderstanding.
Defense attorney Tom Fitzpatrick called the charges "dubious and bombastic" and said he expected his clients to be "vindicated."
Arrangements are being made for Wagner and Mosley to turn themselves in for arraignment at 36th District Court.