UPDATED: Judge Frees Collins, Issues No Abuse Order

Mark Collins, the former Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Committee chairman who was arrested Monday night at Fairbank Community Center, was released Tuesday afternoon without bail after being given a no abuse order.

The no abuse order was issued on behalf of residents Robert Stein and Rick Johnson, who are listed as victims in the case.

Collins is facing charges of assault and battery, and disorderly conduct.

The assistant district attorney had asked Judge Robert Greco to release Collins under four conditions:

• No abuse of the victims;
• No contact with the victims;
• Surrender all firearms;
• Refrain from alcohol use.

Greco only issued the no abuse order.

The police report alleges Collins was under the influence of alcohol at the time of his arrest.

His lawyer, Gerald T. Anglin, said there was no appearance of intoxication at the time and there was no inappropriate use of alcohol by his client.

"The facts are his 22-year-old daughter was accosted by these individuals," Anglin said outside the courtrroom.

Inside the courtroom he described the individuals as "people who are politically active in this small town."

Anglin would not go as far as to say Collins was defending his daughter.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for May 22.

In Sgt. James Espinosa's report, he had asked Bob Haarde if everything was alright and he stated he was watching to see if Collins  was going to get into it with Stein because they had exchanged words when Collins came in to vote.

Espinosa said he witnessed Collins at about 30 to 60 feet from the sidewalk and the sign holders who were showing support during Annual Town Election.

Espinosa observed Collins stop short and "in a hurried manner approach the group of sign holder."

He abruptly changed direction, and after losing observation of Collins for a moment, observed Collins grab an individual wearing a red hooded sweatshirt by the hood (Rick Johnson) and lean toward him.

Espinosa then noticed Collins deliver a closed-fist punch to Johnson's midsection.

Stein stated Collins had grabbed him before Collins punched Johnson.

Neither Johnson nor Stein pressed charges.

While booking Collins, Sgt. Todd Eadie noted he smelled alcohol coming from Collins's "person and breath."

Collins was warned not to have contact with anyone involved in the incident or he could be charged with  intimidating a witness.

UPDATED: MARCH 27, 10:35 A.M.

According to Lt. Scott Nix, the department has retrieved Fairbank video surveillance from the scene of the alleged crime. Nix said the video will not be released because it is part of the investigation/prosecution.

Nix also said one other witness has come forward but did not give that person's name.