Social media sensation Flint Councilman Eric Mays has been sentenced to six months probation for a disorderly conduct charge for his behavior at a city council meeting.
Mays, who has gone viral for his outbursts during the sometimes contentious meetings set aside to discuss city business in the Michigan city, landed in hot water for an April 2022 confrontation with Council President Allie Herkenroder.
Mays told WNEM last April the conflict with Herkenroder was “politically motivated.”
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Now the judge’s final ruling in the case has raised questions about an ulterior motive and a larger effort against the councilman who represents the majority-Black oldest district.
Mays, who had been ordered removed from the meeting many times because of his colorful expression and profane language, and for hurling insults at other councilmembers, disputed Herkenroder’s order that he be removed on April 25, 2022.
However, Mays maintained that Herkenroder’s order was unlawful and refused to leave until he was removed in handcuffs. The councilman, who has represented Flint’s Ward 1 for 10 years, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
Mays faced 90 days in jail and possible expulsion from his seat. Special prosecutor Michael Gildner pushed for jail time for Mays, which would’ve jeopardized the councilman’s seat on the dais.
Gildner argued that Mays’ dispute with other city leaders disrupted the handling of the city’s business during the meeting.
“If person A is having a problem with person B and person C and person D, it’s not person B, C or D’s problem, it’s person A’s problem …,” Gildner said. “Mr. Mays is the problem. Not all of these other individuals.”
However, Genesee County District Judge Vikki Bayeh-Haley said…
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