Lancour Cleared of Disorderly Conduct Charges

SUPERIOR - One chapter in the case of alleged police brutality is closed in Superior."He's not charged with a crime therefore she shouldn't be,” explained Douglas County District Attorney, Dan Blank in court Friday afternoon. “It's about simple as I can put it so the state is moving to dismiss without prejudice." Charges have been dropped against Natasha Lancour, the woman who was accused of assaulting Superior Police Officer George Gothner. For Lancour and her attorney, it's been 10 months of ongoing investigations and dozens of court hearings. Lancour’s attorney said what happened at Friday's court hearing was very unexpected and much different than ones in the past."In the end both sides looked a little dirty to me,” said Blank. “I just thought in the end the officer may have crossed the line but isn't getting prosecuted, so how is it fair that Mrs. Lancour gets prosecuted?" It all started on Jan. 5 with Superior Police Officer Gothner, Lancour and police dash cam video."She was wronged,” said Lancour’s attorney, Rick Gondik. “She wasn't going to take the easy way out. Justice takes courage." Last week, special prosecutor Fred Bourg decided not to press charges against Officer Gothner."Natasha got the crap beat out of her,” said Gondik. “How the special prosecutor can say that's okay is beyond me." Blank thought it was only fair that Lancour should also be off the hook."I suspect there are some difficult reactions by law enforcement to this decision,” said Blank. “Twenty-four years I try to do the right thing for the right reasons no matter what the difficult dynamics might be, and this was a tough one for sure." In his opinion, Blank said Lancour was not a threat to Gothner and use of force during the incident was unnecessary."Justice takes courage,” Gondik said. “Kudos to Mr. Blank for doing the right thing." In the courtroom, tears of happiness fell down Lancour's face as she finally feels as if justice has been served."We're very happy,” said Gondik. “Natasha's elated, thrilled to death, and what a great Halloween present for her." Officer Gothner's conduct is still under investigation by the Superior Police Department. Superior Police Chief Charles LaGesse will soon decide the fate of Gothner’s career.