Freedom of speech, not: Talking too long gets man arrested

BRIDGEPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Here's something to talk about - a Michigan man was arrested after authorities say he refused to stop running his mouth past the three-minute time limit for public comment at a township board meeting.

Mark A. Adams, 59, was arraigned Friday in Saginaw District Court on a felony charge of resisting and obstructing a police officer and a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace.

Adams was arrested at the March 4 meeting by three Bridgeport Township police officers. Authorities say he wouldn't stop talking when township officials told him to do so, which they say was beyond the established 3-minute limit.

The Saginaw News reports the arrest took place on Adams' 59th birthday.

Adams' lawyer, Tom Frank, said Tuesday he had no comment.

The resisting and obstructing charge carries a maximum penalty of two years behind bars.

Adams is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Wednesday.