Marion County State’s Attorney Tim Hudspeth has elected to file a misdemeanor battery charge against a former Salem City Council candidate involved in an incident outside Project Bread Meal Site in Salem last October.
Salem Police had initially arrested 74-year-old Neal Canon of Holly Place for aggravated battery. The probable cause statement indicated that Canon advanced toward the alleged victim at the BCMW Project Bread Meal Site in an unwanted manner and grabbed, kissed, and licked her, and then attempted to suck on her fingers.
Cannon told Judge Mark Stedelin he would hire his own attorney. Stedelin agreed with the prosecution’s recommendation for a $5,000 personal recognizance bond provided Canon has no contact with the alleged victim.
The alleged victim also got an order of protection against Canon on Friday.
Canon was taken into custody after coming to the Salem Police Department on Thursday for questioning. Police had sought the felony charge because the incident had occurred in a public place.
