MARYSVILLE, Calif. — The man accused of attacking the mayor of Marysville pled no contest Friday in Yuba County Superior Court.
Derek Hopkins is accused of sucker punching Mayor Chris Branscum in the back on Aug. 22. Hopkins is also accused of assaulting City Councilman Dominique Belza.
ABC10 previously reported Branscum was standing in the middle of the crosswalk on 5th street and joined by Marysville Police Chief Chris Sachs, and city councilmember Dom Belza.
The group was there meeting with U.S. Congressman Doug LaMalfa on the site of the Hotel Marysville fire.
Mayor Branscum believes the attack was completely random since no words were exchanged.
According to the county, Hopkins could face up to six months in county jail for each battery. He is facing two counts of misdemeanor battery.
He is expected in court for sentencing at the end of September.
