Pendland case ends with reduced charges

What began more than two years ago with Rick Pendland’s arrest on multiple sex-related felony charges, has ended with three misdemeanor charges and Pendland’s release with time served.

After a series of delays along the road to his trial, Ark City’s Noble “Rick” Pendland III was recently found guilty of three counts of battery as part of plea agreement with prosecutors. He received a sentence of 18 months in jail - and because he had already served 19 - Pendland was released from custody.