CARSON, N.D. (KFGO-AM) Leith Mayor Ryan Schock has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to control or report a dangerous fire.
Schock was due in court on Tuesday, but court documents show he waived his initial appearance and entered his plea last Friday. A pretrial conference is scheduled March 16.
The charge against Schock stems from city officials' efforts last year to clean up dilapidated buildings after their dispute with white supremacist Craig Cobb, who tried unsuccessfully to take over Leith.
Leith officials have said they think the charge against Schock is a case of ``retribution'' by Grant County State's Attorney Todd Schwarz and the state attorney general's office _ an accusation Schwarz rejects.
Schock and two other city officials last year accused Schwarz of acting unprofessionally while prosecuting Cobb.