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TC police captain rejects plea deal in Ottenwess case

A Traverse City police captain has rejected a plea bargain. Captain Mike Ayling is charged with neglecting his duty during an investigation of a former city manager.

According to court documents, Grand Traverse County prosecutors offered to lower Ayling’s charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. But Ayling refused, choosing instead to proceed to trial.

The charge stems from an incident at the home of former Traverse City Manager Jared Ottenwess. Ottenwess was not arrested during the February incident but later pleaded “no contest” to charges of domestic violence and resisting police. 

Investigators with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Department recommended criminal charges against Ayling. Their report said he “mishandled” the call. Ayling was charged with “willful neglect of public duty.”

Jury selection for his trial is set to begin August 3rd.