Grapski cleared of probation violations

Judge James Nilon dismissed charges Tuesday of probationary violations pending against Charles Grapski.  The one-time Florida House and City of Alachua commission candidate had been facing four violations of probation alleged in a March 15 report.  Most of these violations were for failing to pay fees.

In defending against some of the charges, Grapski's attorney provided explanations, which Nilon apparently found plausible.  Grapski's defense also presented a certificate dated June 12 indicating that he had completed an eight-hour class on anger management and impulse control.  Among the pending violations was that Grapski had not completed the course as required.

In his order, Judge Nilon wrote, “Although the Probation Officer had probable cause to believe that a violation had occurred and/or the defendant violated the conditions of Probation supervision, it has been demonstrated that Probation should not be revoked as the interests of society may be best served otherwise.”

Nilon also noted that Grapski should report to his probation officers on June 23 before noon.

The probationary supervision under which is Grapski currently monitored stems from a case dating back to August 2007.

As proceedings were concluding Tuesday, Nilon appeared to become perturbed with Grapski.  The judge called the one-time political activist back into the courtroom where he verbally reprimanded Grapski and informed him that he would respect the court.

Grapski was escorted out of the courtroom by several Alachua County Sheriff's Office Deputies.  A short time later, he was being carried out on a gurney through a side entrance of the downtown courthouse.  Grapski was placed in an ambulance for treatment of a reported fall in the stairwell