False Report Charges Dropped

A long-running criminal case against a Battle Creek (Mich.) dispatcher has apparently concluded with the dismissal of criminal charges against her. Sonte Everson, 42, had been charged with filing a false police report, claiming in 2005 that her boyfriend–a Battle Creek police officer–had sexually assaulted her in late 2004. After witnesses said the assault never occurred, she was charged and put on paid leave. After a long investigation, the case was scheduled for trial, but in April 2007 a judge ruled the prosecution had not shown the rape did not occur. Finally, a Kalamazoo County special prosecutor was assigned to the case late last year, and he has now decided to dismiss all the charges “in the best interest of justice.” City officials say they are considering what action to take about Everson’s future employment with the city.