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Church Pew Dispute Lands Utah Man In Jail

Wayne Dodge
Weber County Sheriff

A man who engaged in a physical dispute over saved pew space at an Ogden LDS church will be spending some time in jail.

Wayne Dodge was scheduled to report to Weber County Jail, Monday where he will spend 30 days. Media reports Dodge was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to the class B misdemeanor of assault. The 52-year-old was accused of punching another man and hitting him with his car.

The August 30th altercation occurred at a Mormon meetinghouse during a crowded service that included a baby blessing and a missionary farewell. Authorities said Dodge sat in a section that another family had saved in hopes of getting a good view of the baby blessing.

The judge also ordered Dodge to pay a $550 fine, have no contact with the victim and to complete an anger management class as part of a 12-month probation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.