Judge Ryan Nelson Faces Criminal Charges Following Parking Lot Confrontation
U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Ryan Nelson, a Trump appointee, is facing misdemeanor charges of battery and malicious injury to property following a confrontation in a parking lot on April 2. The incident, which was captured on video, involved Nelson allegedly throwing another man's sunglasses and attempting to grab his phone. Nelson has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The confrontation reportedly began over a parking dispute involving two oversized trucks. Nelson's lawyer, Curtis R. Smith, stated that Nelson maintains a presumption of innocence and will address the charges through the judicial system. Despite these personal legal issues, Nelson has continued his professional duties, participating in court arguments and issuing opinions.