Charge against country star Atkins set aside

By Chris Talbott

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Feb. 8 2012 3:46 p.m. MST

FILE - In this Nov. 8, 2011 file photo, Rodney Atkins, right, and his wife Tammy Jo arrive at the 59th Annual BMI Country Awards in Nashville. Atkins will not be prosecuted on a misdemeanor domestic assault charge if he continues to meet court-ordered conditions. Atkins was arrested last November at his home in Brentwood after his wife Tammy Jo Atkins told police he attacked her and tried to suffocate her with a pillow after a night of drinking. A Tennessee judge on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, agreed to retire the charge, meaning it will be removed from Atkins' record if he stays out of trouble for 11 months and 29 days and completes 30 hours of community service.

Evan Agostini, file, Associated Press

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Summary

Country music singer Rodney Atkins will not be prosecuted on a misdemeanor domestic assault charge if he continues to meet court-ordered conditions.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Country music singer Rodney Atkins will not be prosecuted on a misdemeanor domestic assault charge if he continues to meet court-ordered conditions.

Atkins was arrested in November and charged after his wife Tammy Jo Atkins told police he attacked her and tried to suffocate her with a pillow after a night of drinking.

A Tennessee judge on Wednesday agreed to retire the charge, meaning it will be removed from Atkins' record if he continues to meet conditions, including staying out of trouble for 11 months and 29 days.

Attorney Rose Palermo says Atkins has passed court-ordered anger management, drug and alcohol evaluations and has agreed to do 30 hours of community service.

His No. 1 hits included "Take a Back Road." He and his wife are divorcing.

Online:

http://www.rodneyatkins.com

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