(COLDWATER) - Dakota McDaniel has pleaded guilty to a felony charge for his role in a pepper spray incident that unfolded in downtown Coldwater last year.
McDaniel, 22, entered the plea Monday in Branch County court, admitting guilt to assault with a dangerous weapon as an accomplice in the February 2025 incident outside Jim's Place on South Monroe Street.
According to prosecutors, McDaniel and James Ryall were wearing masks and dark clothing while recording patrons outside the bar. When two men approached them to question the filming, Ryall discharged pepper spray. McDaniel did not deploy the spray himself but was charged as an accomplice.
Under a plea agreement accepted by visiting Judge David Buter, McDaniel will be placed on probation under the Holmes Youthful Training Act. If he successfully completes the program, the felony conviction will be dismissed and his record sealed.
During the hearing, McDaniel acknowledged that his actions caused others to feel "harassed or terrorized," a shift from his earlier claim that he and Ryall were "practicing journalism."
Formal sentencing is tentatively scheduled for March 9. Ryall was previously sentenced to four months in jail followed by two years of probation for his role in the incident.