Fargo activist pleads guilty to criminal mischief

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Just before his trial was set to begin Wednesday morning in Fargo Municipal Court, activist Wes Philome pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief.

Philome had been charged for painting graffiti on a BNSF railroad structure in August 18th last year. Philome was painting on the structure when motorist Joy Mohelski pulled her vehicle over to Philome and threatened to call the police.

According to the defense, Mohelski continued to escalate the encounter with false accusations, prompting Philome to leave the scene.

Over the months after the incident Fargo Police attempted to contact Philome, but were unable to reach him before filing charges. Philome claims that their attempts to contact him were not made in good faith.

“I was at city hall every other week. 10 feet away from the chief, the tapped in. You know, I would wave at the officer stationed at the back of the chambers. There was no effort for anyone to walk up and say Hey, Wes on a side note. This is going on right now. We just need to speak with you, right?”

Philome will serve 40 hours of community service in lieu of a $400 fine and will have a suspended sentence of six months.