Coleman settles criminal charges

PAYSON — Even though actor Gary Coleman pleaded no contest to reckless driving and disorderly conduct charges Tuesday morning, he's not out of the woods yet — legally speaking.

Donning a black cowboy hat, Coleman appeared in Payson City Justice Court with attorney Randy Kester at his side to resolve criminal charges stemming from an altercation he had with a man who tried to snap pictures of him outside South County Lanes in Payson on Sept. 6.

In exchange for his no-contest plea, prosecutors agreed to hold the misdemeanor charge of reckless driving in abeyance for 12 months from the day of the incident, as long as Coleman doesn't violate any other laws. He also was required to pay $300 in fines. The atmosphere in the courtroom was cordial and friendly as Coleman, 40, entered his plea.

"I'd rather not see you here again," Judge David C. Dahlquist said.

"I would not like to see me here again, either," Coleman said, smiling.

Coleman pleaded not guilty to the charges in October, but Kester said they've decided to settle the matter without admitting guilt because a trial would have taken two days and consumed too much of the court's time and money.

Now that the criminal charges have been settled, Coleman and his attorney can turn their attention to a civil suit Coleman is facing as a result of the confrontation.

"Celebrities can't go nowhere or do nothing without people interfering in their lives," Coleman said after his court appearance. "It just doesn't work that way. You either have to get used to it or fight tooth and nail the whole way."

Coleman — best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in the TV show "Diff'rent Strokes" — declined to discuss details of the night in question, but he said his lawyer is prepared to fight to protect his wallet.

"You're not gonna get into my pocket," he said. "That's just not gonna happen."

On Sept. 6, Coleman, his wife, Shannon Price, and friend and/or bodyguard Paul Rohbock were bowling at South County Lanes when Colt Rushton, 24, recognized Coleman and started taking pictures of him. Rushton says Price and Rohbock took his phone away in the parking lot when he tried to take pictures of Coleman's specially adjusted driver seat in his truck. Rushton said he was struck when Coleman backed his truck out.

Dustin Lance, who represents Rushton in a separate civil suit filed against Coleman, appeared at Payson City Justice Court and asked Dahlquist to require restitution for Rushton's medical bills. He said Rushton has already accumulated a medical bill of nearly $10,000 as a result of the confrontation.

Coleman's attorney argued it would be redundant to address that issue when a civil suit has already been filed.