| Republican gubernatorial candidate Joseph Oliverio says he never assaulted conservation officer James Crawley, after driving drunk and destroying private property.
He faces a January 21st trial date on eight charges.
Oliverio was arraigned Thursday in Marion County and posted a $10,000 cash bond after charges were filed against him.
Oliverio is charged with second-offense driving under the influence of alcohol, assault on a Division of Natural Resources conservation officer, assault, obstructing an officer, intimidating a public official, resisting arrest, destruction of property and failure to stop and yield.
The Morgantown painting contractor faces up to a year in jail on each count and a fine of up to $16,000.
The charges stem from an August 25th incident that occurred after conservation officer Crawley saw Oliverio allegedly run a red light, and later saw Oliverio beating on the side of a pickup truck. The charges say a dispute occurred when the officer attempted to keep Oliverio from leaving the scene.
Earlier this week the news media announced Oliverio had withdrawn from the race, after receiving faxes to that effect. Now Oliverio says the faxes were a hoax.
Conservation officer Crawley was formerly assigned to Calhoun County.
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