Former Traverse City manager Jered Ottenwess was sentenced to 730 days probation Monday on a charge of attempting to assault a police officer. He received a deferred sentence on a second charge of domestic violence, meaning that if Ottenwess fulfills the conditions of his probation, a judge can elect to throw out the charge and sentence and clear the incident from his record.

As part of his probation, Ottenwess must pay $625 in fines and court costs; cannot consume or possess alcohol for the duration of his probation; cannot enter bars or establishments that serve alcohol by the glass for the duration of his probation; must complete his recovery treatment program in Grand Rapids; must submit to twice-daily alcohol testing and twice-monthly drug testing; must attend five 12-step meetings a week; and must complete a batterer’s intervention program. Ottenwess also sentenced to one day in jail, with credit for one day served.

Ottenwess addressed the court at his sentencing, speaking publicly for the first on the circumstances that began with a February 16 drunken disturbance at his home and ended with his resignation and criminal sentencing. He read the following statement to Judge Thomas Phillips:

“I am very grateful to be here today, and I appreciate the opportunity to address the court. It may seem paradoxical given the circumstances, but I am grateful because I have the opportunity for redemption. I behaved reprehensibly and caused terrible suffering for my family. I accept full and unequivocal responsibility for my actions. Please keep in mind that I am an alcoholic, and alcoholism is a disease. I’ve unfortunately experienced and caused great suffering in order to reach an understanding of this disease. Since first being admitted into the hospital I’ve taken every possible step to seek appropriate treatment and implement a recovery plan. I’ve done this on my own behalf without any court mandate, so I can be the best husband and father that I can be for my family. I intend to continue with my recovery plan and accept whatever sentence this court deems fit and (will) comply whole-heartedly. I look forward to nothing more than resolving the case before you, so that my family and I can bring closure to this situation and move forward with starting anew and rebuilding our life together. Thank you.”

Ottenwess’ wife, Kristina Ottenwess, also addressed the court. Calling Jered a “loving and kind husband and father,” Kristina stated he “has never harmed me or my children” and that she did not feel she was a victim of domestic violence. “This is an alcoholism issue," she said. "This is and always has been a private medical issue that should have never played out in the court system and local media." Kristina told Phillips her family “has suffered immense trauma and pain” as a result of the public coverage of her husband’s case.

“Due to the criminal investigation brought against my husband, we have lost our husband and father, our sole source of income, our home, my children’s school, our community, friends and church,” she said. “All we have is each other, and we have to rebuild our entire life.” She concluded: “Jered is an alcoholic, and we are a family who has suffered from its effects. I am so proud of him for getting the help he needs to treat his medical condition. I too have taken steps to address this issue with counseling and support group attendance. My hope is that we as a family get what we need to effectively move forward in recovery.”

Acknowledging Kristina’s remarks, Phillips lifted the communication ban between Ottenwess and his family as part of the sentencing guidelines. “It sounds like you have a wife that loves you and a good family,” he told the defendant. “I hope you get through recovery well."