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VALLEY CITY, N.D. (AP) — A man who spearheaded an unsuccessful effort in Valley City to disband the local police department is accused of threatening a city commissioner.

Police Chief Fred Thompson says Robert Drake allegedly threatened to harm City Commissioner Rick Ross during a telephone conversation with Ross and through comments Drake made to City Administrator David Schelkoph. An arrest warrant was served Friday.

Drake faces a felony terrorizing charge that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Court documents don’t list an attorney for him, and a home telephone listing couldn’t be found.

Drake late last year organized a citizen group that unsuccessfully sought to disband Valley City’s police department and turn protection duties over to the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office.

Valley City Police Chief Fred Thompson has issued a news release, which states:

“On September 28, 2016 at approximately 1030 hours (10:30-a.m.) Robert Drake, age 63 of Barnes County, North Dakota contacted Valley City, City Administrator, David Schelkoph at his office.

Drake issued a verbal complaint about the conduct of Commissioner Rick Ross, over Ross’ alleged interfering with the business transactions of Drake, and Drake’s business associates.

During this conversation, Drake made repeated threats to harm Ross.

Schelkoph tried to calm Drake and suggested that Drake speak to Ross in an effort to clear up whatever problem there was.  Schelkoph notified Ross, and Ross then called Drake.   During this conversation, Drake made direct and repeated threats to physically harm Ross.

Valley City Police was notified and initiated an investigation into these events.  Witnesses were contacted and statements obtained from not only Ross and Schelkoph, in addition to VCSU personnel who witnessed Drake’s statements while Drake was at VCSU attempting to locate Ross.

Valley City Police submitted for, and received a Warrant of Arrest for Drake for North Dakota Century Code 12.1-17-04, Terrorizing, which was authorized on September 30, 2016.  Drake was taken into custody without incident by the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office and transported to the Barnes County Correction Center for Booking.

Valley City Police is requesting that anyone with any information on this case to contact us at 701-845-3110.”