Court grants continuance in Samsel misdemeanor case

OTTAWA – Kansas Rep. Mark Samsel, a Republican representing a portion of Linn County, appeared in court Monday, July 12, after being charged with three counts of misdemeanor battery in April. Christopher Scott, Samsel's attorney, asked for and was granted a continuance until Aug 16.

The charges stem from an incident in Wellsville High School when the representative was working as a substitute teacher in April. Samsel allegedly struck a student, and was subsequently arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges in his initial appearance in Franklin County District Court on May 19. A mental health evaluation was ordered by Judge Kevin Kimball at that time.

In asking for the continuance, Scott told the judge that the mental health evaluation had not been completed.

County Attorney Brandon Jones asked that a copy of that report under seal be given to the court.