Charge Against Country Star Atkins Set Aside

Associated Press
3:31 pm, Wednesday, 02/08/2012
News

Country music singer Rodney Atkins will not be prosecuted on a misdemeanor domestic assault charge if he continues to meet court-ordered conditions.

Atkins was arrested in November and charged after his wife Tammy Jo Atkins told police he attacked her and tried to suffocate her with a pillow after a night of drinking.

A Tennessee judge on Wednesday agreed to retire the charge, meaning it will be removed from Atkins’ record if he continues to meet conditions, including staying out of trouble for 11 months and 29 days.

Attorney Rose Palermo says Atkins has passed court-ordered anger management, drug and alcohol evaluations and has agreed to do 30 hours of community service.

Photo: AP Photo

American Giving Awards, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, Calif.

His No. 1 hits included “Take a Back Road.” He and his wife are divorcing.