The judge presiding over a criminal case for Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) director John Cooper dismissed the case Tuesday.
Cooper was charged with misdemeanor harassment/intimidation after a land dispute in Marshall County. He was arrested last June.
The victim, neighbor Gerald Carter, claimed Cooper threatened to shoot him over an easement on the property that had been conveyed to him.
After over a year of hearings and Cooper's filing of a civil suit against Carter in response, Carter asked a judge to dismiss the criminal charge.
"We have been able to reach a tentative agreement," Carter told 1819 News.
Marshall County District Judge Mitchell S. Floyd approved the motion and ordered the case dismissed with no charge.
"... I do think one thing that is sad about this situation is that We live in a society in the way our legal system is set up that someone can commit a crime against you and then they can hold your property hostage for a year and a half and sue you out of retaliation," Carter added.
However, he said he is thankful to reach an agreement so he can hopefully be allowed back on his property after a year and a half.
"Over the last year and a half, both sides were able to cool off and be men and settle things," he said. "And moving forward, I look forward to being his neighbor."
The details of the agreement cannot be disclosed but Carer said he is pleased with the result.
The civil suit is set for trial on October 1.
The suit claims the easement the Carters are trying to use to gain access to their property does not exist. The suit claims the Carters trespassed on Cooper's property after a warning.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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