NAACP Protests Charges Brought Against Natasha Lancour
SUPERIOR- Several members of the Twin Ports community showed up Wednesday at the Douglas County Courthouse to support Natasha Lancour and ask that the charges be dropped at her preliminary hearing this Friday.
Lancour is facing charges of felony battery against an officer after the altercation that occurred on January 5th.
If convicted, the charges would leave more than just a black mark on her record.
Community member Archie Davis said, "in the nursing field, if you get any type felonies on your record you'll never be able to work in this line of work again.
Natasha just recently completed all of her courses to become a certified nursing assistant and the charges could be catastrophic for her.
Lancour said, "I'm praying to God that they drop the charges, you know I have kids at home, I don't need to be serving 6 years for getting beat up. To me it's not fair and it's not right."
Superior Police say they are leaving the decision to the DA, but have indicated they have no intention of dropping the charges.
Deputy Chief Matthew Markon said, "we certainly have conversations with the district attorney and I can't reveal the content of our conversations with the DA, he is the person who has the authority to dismiss charges that have already been brought or to bring charges in the first place."
Community activists also called on the Superior Police Department to take disciplinary action against officers when necessary.
Community activist, Stephan Witherspoon said,"it is my hope that the Superior Police Department, hold this officer accountable for his actions and practice zero tolerance for this type of behavior."
Officer George Gothner remains administrative duty while the Wisconsin DOJ investigates the incident.
The Superior Police and Douglas County Sheriffs office made their presence known as about a dozen officers looked on at the rally.
Lancour's attorney said he is confident with the new evidence that has been submitted the charges will be dropped.
The community activists said they believed there are many good police men and women in Superior and they also want to help give those officers a way to be able to report fellow officers without fear.