Dykoff Case Dismissed In Manchester, But Most Gets A Public Apology

by Patricia A. Miller

In the end, Township Committeeman Mark Dykoff walked away from any consequences after he punched Township Committeeman David Most in the face at a Republican Club picnic back in September.

But Most got what he wanted - a public apology from Dykoff.

Most and Dykoff stood in front of Municipal Court Judge Daniel F. Sahin, flanked by their attorneys who ironed out the agreement not to pursue the matter any further, even in a future civil suit.

“Mr. Most, are you okay with that?” Sahin said.

“Yes, Judge, I am okay with that,” Most replied.”I wouldn’t be here if I had gotten an apology that day.”

“I appreciate your willingness to work with Mr. Rosenberg’s client,” the judge said. “It certainly shows a lack of animosity which I usually don’t experience in these types of situations.”

With that, Dykoff turned and walked toward Most and shook his hand.

“Dave, I want to apologize to you and your family,” Dykoff said. “I lost my temper.”

“As long as you learn from your behavior in the past,” Most replied.

The State vs. Dykoff was the last case heard Tuesday evening, in a nearly empty courtroom.

“I will mark the matter dismissed,” Sahin said. “You are all free to go.”

Mayor Gary Quinn was in the courtroom and former Lacey police officer James LeTellier was outside. Both men were subpoenaed by Robert Rosenberg, Dykoff’s attorney.

The matter had to be moved to Manchester since Lacey Municipal Court Judge Damian G. Murray had a conflict of interest. The first court date in Manchester was postponed because the Manchester municipal prosecutor also had a conflict of interest, according to the Court Clerk’s Office.

Lacey police filed a simple assault complaint against Dykoff after the Sept. 14 incident, Police Chief David A. Paprota has said.

Lacey Sgt. Paul J. Sullivan and Patrolman Daniel Ricciardella responded to a report of an assault at 1:13 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the park, the chief said.

“Investigation at the scene led to Mark Dykoff of Forked River being served with a Special Form of Complaint and Summons for Simple Assault for allegedly striking David Most of Forked River in the face with a closed fist,” Lacey Police Chief David A. Paprota has said.

No medical attention was requested at the scene, Paprota said.

“Mr. Dykoff was not placed under arrest,” the chief has said. “He was served the summons for the alleged violation, which will later be heard in municipal court.”